2 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 LAGNIAPPE ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WEEKLY JULY 16, 2015 – JULY 22, 2015 | www.lagniappemobile.com

Ashley Trice BAY BRIEFS Co-publisher/Editor The University of South Alabama’s intent [email protected] to study an on-campus stadium puts Rob Holbert the future of Ladd Stadium in limbo. Co-publisher/Managing Editor 6 [email protected] COMMENTARY Steve Hall Marketing/Sales Director A lot can happen in a week away. [email protected] Gabriel Tynes Assistant Managing Editor 12 [email protected] Dale Liesch BUSINESS Reporter A local makeup artist is forging [email protected] ahead with the Miss USA pageant, Jason Johnson despite Donald Trump’s blemishes. Reporter 16 [email protected] Eric Mann Reporter CUISINE [email protected] Gulf Coast Coney

Kevin Lee CONTENTS offers Boar’s Head Associate Editor/Arts Editor meats and unique [email protected] sweet treats in an Andy MacDonald Cuisine Editor area more commonly [email protected] known as a seafood Stephen Centanni destination. Music Editor [email protected] J. Mark Bryant Sports Writer 18 [email protected] 18 Stephanie Poe Copy Editor COVER Daniel Anderson With the state’s surprise Chief Photographer and confidential [email protected] settlement with BP for Laura Rasmussen the 2010 oil spill, the Art Director Alabama Gulf Coast www.laurarasmussen.com Recovery Council is still Brooke Mathis Advertising Sales Executive attempting to verify how [email protected] much money will be Beth Williams available for economic Advertising Sales Executive and environmental [email protected] restoration projects. 2424 Misty Groh Advertising Sales Executive [email protected] ARTS Kelly Woods Author Ann J. Pond peels back the Advertising Sales Executive masks of mystic organizations in her [email protected] second book on the history of Gulf Melissa Schwarz 26 Coast Mardi Gras. Editorial Assistant [email protected] MUSIC Mary Burts Distribution Manager Tyler the Creator’s [email protected] odd past has a bright Contributors: future. He’ll appear at Asia Frey • Brian Holbert 30 30 Soul Kitchen Saturday. Tommy Hicks • Ron Sivak Jeff Poor • Ken Robinson On the Cover: Small Change by Gabriel Tynes

LAGNIAPPE (USPS 20) is published weekly, 52 issues a year, Volume 13, Issue 29, every Thursday by Something, Extra Publishing, Inc. Entered at the Mobile Post Office, 250 St. Joseph St, Mobile, AL, 36601. Periodicals postage paid at Mobile Post Office, 250 St Joseph St., Mobile, AL 36601 and other locations. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Editorial, advertising and production offices are FILM located at 1102A Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36604. Mailing address is P.O. Box Pixar’s new feature “Inside Out” is not 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Phone: 251.450.4466 Fax 251.450.4498. Email: ashley- a masterpiece, but is an impressive [email protected] or [email protected] addition to the company’s body of LAGNIAPPE is printed at Signature Offset, 2610 Lakeview Road, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. 36 work. All letters sent to Lagniappe are considered to be intended for publication. Member: Association of Alternative Newsweek- MEDIA lies and Alternative Weeklies Network All rights reserved. Something Extra Publishing, Quin Hillyer has been named political Inc. Nothing may be reprinted, photocopied or in any way reproduced without the expressed editor of Laura Ingraham’s new permission of the publishers. Individuals may take one copy of the paper free of charge from area businesses, online publication, LifeZette. racks or boxes. After that, papers are $3 per 40 issue. Removal of more than one copy from these points constitutes theft. Violators are subject to prosecution. SPORTS Help support Lagniappe Weekly by The Dauphin Street Vault has grown in becoming a “Friend with Benefits.” Scan this code for more info: popularity each year, and has added 42 a 400-meter race for 2015. STYLE A local professional baseball player is Uber excited and locals are invited to 46 the stage with Cage.

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015| LAGNIAPPE | 3 GOING POSTAL

City seal’s designer intended no racist symbolism Plea on Lee To the editor: in the league at the time. My father was instru- and courage. It wasn’t about black or white, it Editor, I learned the City Council voted to change the mental in that decision and often picked up and was about right and wrong. He did this without seal of the city of Mobile. I was not present but took home those black kids to and from practice hesitation or apology. He did it because he knew Enough is enough about Harper Lee. was told there were insinuations that the Confed- and games. my brother, sister and I were watching. He did not Harper wrote a book that made the erate flag was “placed” in the seal as a symbol of One of our black players was honored as one want us to be “ignorant racists” and wasn’t going people of Alabama look like savages racism. My father, Church E. Barnard, was com- of the best players in the city. For reasons I didn’t to allow us to think what we were hearing in the and we are so stupid we think she is missioned by the city and designed the seal for the understand at the time, my father took the young ‘60s from most of our neighbors was either right great. city of Mobile. (His initials, “CB,” appear in the man to the awards banquet at a restaurant in Theo- or acceptable. original seal between “Founded” and “1702.”) dore. It was later I learned the restaurant did not Frankly, I think it has become so divisive, it Thanks, My father was born and raised in New York allow blacks at the time. may serve the best interest of the city to remove Ron Puckett City, attended Yale University and served in the On one occasion, around 1972, we were driving the Confederate flag. Personally, I have more U.S. Air Force as an officer in the South Pacific to New Orleans through Mississippi and stopped pressing issues than a flag on the city seal, but during World War II. He met my mother at Brook- for lunch at a small diner. Two young, small, black I don’t have any allegiance to the Confederate ley Air Force Base when it was still active. Thus, kids were standing outside the doors holding flag and think that it is, in fact, often used as a TIllmon letter on point he was a “Yankee.” dollars when my father and I got out of our car to symbol of racism and hate. I don’t think chang- My hat’s off to Tillmon Brown for While many people may think of artists as go in. My father asked what they were doing and ing the seal or removing a flag is going to change his “The this’ll do city” letter in the liberal pansies, my father was a man’s man. He they said they’d just been told to get out because people or their behavior. But, without question, the July 9 issue of Lagniappe. I couldn’t was imposingly large and played football at Yale, the diner did not serve “n*ggers.” My father said, flag causes offense to a large enough segment of have said it better if I’d had a month to where Gerald Ford, a law student there at the time, “Come with me.” We all walked in and everyone society that I agree that it should not be flown in think on it. Tillmon has been “around was his football coach. in the diner stopped eating and turned to look public places. I support the council’s decision. the block” in this town for many years My brothers and sister and I were raised by our at us. I remember being scared and thinking my I want to set the record straight about one thing. and has had many ventures/seen it all parents to follow the golden rule. My father was father was crazy. I think the citizens of our great city should know and virtually done it all, and there’s a strict disciplinarian. He meant what he said and The cook/owner turned from the cooktop, saw that my father designed the seal without any influ- really no better spokesman for just how wasn’t afraid to say what was on his mind. He did us and yelled, “We don’t serve n*ggers.” My ence from anyone in power at the time. Like all things are in Mobile. not tolerate racism. father slapped money on the counter, leaned over seals he designed — including those for Mobile Enjoyed it … keep up the good Use of the “n” word was grounds for a spank- to look the man in the eyes and said, very sternly County and the University of South Alabama — work, and hopefully people will have ing in our home. He said racism demonstrated in a tone everyone in the diner could hear, words I he did so based on history and in-depth research. read his letter and take it to heart. Mo- “ignorance” and no human was any better than will never forget, “YOU DO TODAY!” He did not design the seal with the slightest bile could really be great still. Mobile any other human. They stared at each other for what felt like hint of racism nor with any subliminal message of could’ve really been something. We all attended public schools. I played foot- an eternity before the man finally snatched the racism. Knowing my father, who died long ago, he Is it too late? We’ll just have to wait ball at Maitre Park the first year it opened. I’m money, simply said, “OK” and slapped burgers on too would support the council’s decision. and see. fairly certain ours was the first white coach to have the grill. Eaton G. Barnard black players. We were the ONLY integrated team The point is, my father was a man of principle Mobile Kerry Muzzey Mobile CORRECTIONS: In the July 9 issue of Lagniappe, an article entitled “Developer’s removal of stated the hotel developer of the property across the street from Bienville Square went through the young downtown oaks sparks controversy” misquoted downtown resident Melissa Rankin. The quote Mobile Tree Commission to obtain proper permitting for removing oak trees from the property. It should have read, “I was shocked and confused by the tree removal.” should have read the Department of Urban Development, as these trees did not fall under the Mobile In the July 7 issue of “Hidden Agenda” entitled “What we can learn from our fallen oaks,” it was Tree Commission’s purview.

4 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 P OLIce dISPATch Police report three murders, one arrest over weekend BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

Over the weekend authorities responded to three amount of U.S. currency. homicides within three miles of one another. According to investigators, a woman who was be- On Friday, July 10, officers responded to Jef- ing held against her will was also discovered at one ferson Place Apartments on Texas Street around 8 of the homes, which led to kidnapping charges for p.m. after receiving reports that someone had been some of the suspects. In total, seven men were arrested — mostly for shot. There officers located 17-year-old Nicholas drug-trafficking charges. However, three were also Gardner, shot once in the abdomen. Gardner was charged with rape and at least two had outstanding transported to a local hospital but died as a result of warrants in other jurisdictions. his injuries. One of the suspects, 32-year-old Giannis Pappa- The Mobile Police Department (MPD) is dis, was wanted for murder in Harris County, Texas, currently seeking Tavelle Orneiz Nelson, 25, for before being captured during the raid. questioning in reference to Gardner’s death. Photo/MCSO Those arrested also include: • Pappadis, who will face charges of first-degree On Saturday, July 11, MPD responded to Frederick Matthews charged with murder. Calmes Street near St. Rickarby Park at 10 p.m. rape, first-degree possession of marijuana, posses- for a similar report of a shooting. Upon arrival, of- sion of a controlled substance and possession of a been charged with murder. Based on available jail ficers located 21-year-old Lawrence Harris inside a pistol by a violent felon. records, Matthews has several previous criminal • Francisco “Pancho” Viscarra-Martinez, 35, who vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound charges on his record. At the time of the homicide is charged with first-degree rape and drug traffick- to the head. Personnel from the Mobile Fire-Rescue on Sunday, he was on probation for drug-related ing. Department responded and pronounced Harris dead offenses and robbery charges. • Feliciano “Felix” Antonio Santos, 33, who is on the scene. charged with drug trafficking. As of Monday morning, Matthews was still in On Sunday, July 12, officers responded • Marcos Bravo-Zamora, 30, who is charged with the custody of the Mobile County Metro jail. to Mobile Infirmary at approximately 9 a.m. first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping and drug where 33-year-old Ahmon Sims was transported trafficking. after being shot multiple times on Andrews Street Foley home raid leads to substantial • Noe Castillo Noyola, 43, Rafael “Raffa” Mar- near Washington Middle School. drug charges tinez, 41, and Moises “Moi” Martinez-Campos who On Wednesday, July 8, authorities with the FBI in Officers said Sims, who later died from his were each charged with drug trafficking. Mobile, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the On Monday, July 13, each suspect had a mini- injuries, was shot twice in the back by Frederick Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforce- mum bond set at $1 million, but one suspect, Bravo- Matthews, 28, who returned to the scene and sur- ment Agency, Homeland Security Investigations and Zamora, had bond set at $3 million because of his rendered to homicide detectives during the initial the Foley Police Department raided two adjoining alleged role in raping and kidnapping the woman Photo/Facebook investigation. homes on Michigan Avenue in Foley. There authori- found at the home in Foley. Nicholas Garder Matthews was interviewed and arrested and has ties recovered drugs, weapons and an undisclosed

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 5 BB BAYBRIEFS | MOBILE Future of Ladd Stadium questioned after USA announcement BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

t has played host to decisive regular-season, post-season and attractiveness to sponsors of post-season games, Senior Bowl Meanwhile, during the 2014-2015 football season, the Mobile all-star college football games for decades, but with the emerg- spokesman Rob Lehocky said. Initial speculation indicates USA City Council and Mobile County Commission each reserved ing possibility that the University of South Alabama (USA) may aim to build a stadium with a capacity between 25,000 and one of the stadium’s limited suites for discretionary use. Stimp- could build its own stadium on campus, the city-owned Ladd- 30,000 seats. son also has a suite, but has made it available to sponsors for a IPeebles Stadium may lose some marquee matchups. “Ladd is close to 40,000, which is good for us because we $20,000 fee to the stadium. The suites — varying in size — sell Since its inaugural season in 2009, USA’s Jaguars have called sell out, or come close to selling out, every year,” Lehocky said. for anywhere between $12,500 and $20,000 per season. Ladd home, but have never been subject to a lease with the city. “Down the road, if we end up doing something with South Ala- Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s Chief of Staff Colby Cooper said Instead, the school reimburses the stadium board for the cost of bama, the stadium would have to seat at least 30,000.” the stadium has “aggressively” tried to sell the suites in the past, hosting games, Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s spokeswoman Laura Lehocky said it’s far too early to elaborate, as serious discus- adding Stimpson told the board to sell his if it could. Cooper said Byrne said. sions about an on-campus football stadium at USA are still in the university uses the mayor’s suite and the administration works For the 2014 football season ending Nov. 28, the school reim- “preliminary stages.” to find attendees for the games. He said Stimpson does reserve its bursed the stadium’s board $124,663 for six games played there, Godaddy.com Bowl President Jerry Silverstein said there use “from time to time,” but mostly for bowl games. Byrne said. were “no current plans” to move the game, pointing to a “good “We want someone to rent it,” Cooper said. “The stadium doesn’t charge [USA] rent,” she said. “The sta- relationship” with Ladd Stadium in the past. The stadium board’s meeting minutes indicate the stadium dium gets reimbursed for what it costs to hold the games.” In addition to South Alabama and the bowl games, Ladd earned $120,000 in revenue from the eight suites last year. The stadium has similar contracts in place for the two post- Stadium hosts four high schools as home teams as well. Mur- Meanwhile, USA President Tony Waldrop referred to the inter- season games it hosts — the Godaddy.com Bowl and the Senior phy, Williamson, Davidson, and LeFlore all use the city-owned est in an on-campus stadium as a “preliminary exploration of the Bowl. The Godaddy.com Bowl — which pits a Sunbelt Confer- stadium for home games. Unlike the college or bowl games, the financial, logistical and infrastructural requirements associated ence school against a Mid-American Conference team each year Mobile County school board pays the greater of $1,300 per game with the possible construction of an on-campus football stadium.” — reimbursed the stadium $50,427 last year. The stadium also or 15 percent of gate receipts for use of the stadium, according to Waldrop noted the process will not be rushed and empha- retains proceeds from parking and concessions. city records. sized a decision on whether or not to build a stadium has not yet Even though USA’s program was launched at Ladd, stadium “That rarely covers expenses,” Gould said of the rent per been made. board Co-Chairman Randy Gould said the board would “under- game. “There are a few games a year where we make more “Construction of a football stadium is an extremely complex stand” if the university wanted to “build a stadium and move.” [than expenses].” undertaking that requires significant due diligence on the part of “Our opinion is USA is a great tenant and is one the best to For those games, the stadium pays for parking, lights and the university leadership, and we are at the very beginning of a work with,” he said. “We’d hate to see them go. We love being police security, which vary depending on attendance, Gould said. process that will examine all the issues we must consider before a home to the Jags.” The city assists with stadium expenses through a performance decision can be made,” Waldrop wrote. Gould said he’s not worried about the potential loss of any contract each year, but as Gould pointed out, the amount of those The first steps in the process will involve a small group of other current tenants, including the two bowl games. contracts have fallen consistently. USA trustees, administrators and staff looking into three areas “I find it hard to believe … .” he said of the suggestion. “The allocation from the city has dropped every year the last outlined by Waldrop. The group will examine all issues impacting Representatives for the Senior Bowl and Godaddy.com Bowl four years,” he said. the feasibility of an on-campus stadium, and will present its find- said there are no immediate plans to change the location of either game. For example, the contract dropped from $249,000 to $200,000 ings to the school’s leadership for consideration. The university For one, Ladd’s seating capacity is greater than what initial for the 2015 fiscal year, according to city records, when Ladd will release information on the group’s progress, but there is no proposals for a stadium at USA suggest, which could limit its requested a funding level of $377,000. set schedule or deadline for completing the study.

6 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 7 BB BAYBRIEFS | FAIRHOPE Independent schools studied ahead of ‘potential train wreck’ BY ERIC MANN/REPORTER | [email protected]

he Fairhope City Council is a step closer to undertaking In 2010, the city funded a $25,000 study from Dr. Ira Harvey “The EAC feels that the money the city has been giving the another feasibility study of an independent school system that estimated the cost of a city-run school system in Fairhope schools, with the situation in Baldwin County and the potential within the city’s feeder pattern. With a unanimous vote to be approximately $2 million per year and the city would have train wreck that’s about to happen, they don’t feel like it is a good July 13, the City Council requested the city’s Education to take on more than $40 million in capital debt associated with use to just keep putting that kind of money into the schools with- TAdvisory Committee (EAC) to research the costs associated with the school buildings in the city limits. That study also showed out some kind of understanding of the whole picture,” Brewer such a study, but not every council member will support what that 54 percent of the school children in the feeder pattern, which said. “They feel like they can’t in good conscience go back to the study might find. includes five schools, live within the city limits while 46 percent City Council and say, ‘just give us the $350,000 and we’ll keep At a previous work session, the EAC asked councilors to fund live outside, another issue the updated study would address. throwing money on top of bad money.’” an update to a 2010 feasibility study to include not just the costs While the city’s five councilors were united in allowing the Councilman Kevin Boone said he does not support raising associated with a city school system, but also a special 3-mill tax EAC to pursue a feasibility study, members were sharply divided additional taxes in the city, citing the results of the March 31 ref- increase to raise an additional $1.3 million for schools in Fairhope. on what to do with the results. erendum in which 62 percent in Fairhope’s voting district rejected Before the July 13 meeting, the EAC clarified its recommen- “It is important that we put out as much good information as an additional 8 mills in property taxes to fund a $350 million dations, asking the City Council to give the EAC the authority possible so that it takes away all the guesswork and the distor- capital campaign for the county’s schools. to use a portion of its 2015-16 funds to establish an agreed-upon tions and gives people good, solid information,” Councilwoman Councilman Rich Mueller said the March 31 referendum rejec- set of academic standards to evaluate the city’s schools com- Diana Brewer, the council’s liaison to the EAC, said. “And then tion wasn’t just about raising taxes, it was partially about citizens pared to the state’s Top 10 schools. The updated study would we can get the informed opinion from the citizens on what they who did not trust the school system with the additional funds. also examine possible revenues generated by the proposed spe- would like to happen with education in Fairhope.” “I personally do not think we should have a city-run school cial tax district, the Baldwin County Board of Education’s role Councilman Mike Ford was vocally opposed to raising taxes system, but I was elected to speak for a lot of people,” Mueller in disbursing those funds and how those revenues would follow to fund an independent system or a special 3-mill tax district. said. “I can’t make an informed decision without information. students in the feeder pattern. He also said he did not appreciate a recent news article in The Somewhere along the line, we will find out what the citizens The new study would also examine the costs of an indepen- Courier, which said the EAC may sit out the next year if the City really want. They may say they don’t want any of this stuff, or dent school system including capital debt assumption, estimated Council will not listen to its requests. they may say they’d like their own system. I don’t want to be in a annual operating costs, potential tax burden for Fairhope citizens “Everybody has the right to their opinion, but someone on the position where I can’t make an informed decision.” and potential tax options for funding the system. committee was trying to bully the council, saying ‘if you don’t Council President Jack Burrell said the City Council spends un- “A new study would be different because we want to include give us what we want, then we are going to quit for a year,’” Ford budgeted money on trucks and other items without batting an eye, the talk of a special tax district,” EAC Chairman Kerry Flowers said. “If that’s so, then I say take a vacation. We can always find and those aren’t decisions that affect the city’s school children. said. “The first study did not go into detail about that at all, it just somebody else. I was outraged by that.” “I don’t want to look back and say I was too stingy to spend talked about what happens in an independent school system.” Brewer said no one on the EAC was trying to bully the City $40,000 to study what could have been done,” Burrell said. “If Whatever data the study finds would then be pulled into an Council, but some questioned why the committee should continue we get three or four years down the road and the county school executive summary by consultants and used in a poll to gauge the as is without any additional funding for the city’s schools at its funding falls off a cliff and we don’t have any options on the community’s interest in educational issues such as local control current $350,000 annual rate. table, I don’t know if we would be able to say we did our job.” and funding.

8 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 BAYBRIEFS | MOBILE BB Municipal court installing new software system BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

maller dockets and efficiency are among allegedly failed, Emmorey said, resulting in dif- the expectations a new software system ferent processes for the environmental, criminal will bring to Mobile Municipal Court, and traffic dockets. Administrator Nathan Emmorey said. Emmorey said the existing system doesn’t al- SThe new Tyler Technologies Incode system low for easy cross-training, meaning each clerk should be completely implemented in October generally works on a particular docket, rather and will replace three decades-old systems the than all of them. court currently uses to manage cases, store data “It makes one person too important,” he and receive payments, he said. said. “Once we have Tyler up and running we’ll “Right now, we are on track for that October be able to rotate our clerks more effectively date,” Emmorey said. “We’ll see if we’re able through the different dockets, creating a broader to maintain that. I know a lot of staff has been knowledge base. working very, very hard to do that and … “I’m certainly not saying the clerks are not there’s a lot of work to be done to get our files important because they’re where the rubber into Tyler and to make sure the data in Tyler is meets the road,” Emmorey clarified, “but as good data.” far as court processing goes, on individual Municipal court will be the first entity to dockets, an individual court clerk will not be so benefit from the software system eventually important that their loss will damage or hinder expected to be implemented citywide. It was the court.” approved last year. Implementation of the Instead of one person handling the pre- entire $2.2 million system is expected to take docket, court and post-docket processes, which two years. can take up to one month, Emmorey said staff The new software should help the court be- members, using the Tyler system, could be come “virtually paperless.” The current system cross-trained and each could then work on a requires a paper overlay, which tends to result in portion of every docket. bottlenecks during the payment of fines and case Still, the new technology is expected to cre- management, Emmorey said. ate some problems, at least initially. The court “Our current system requires both the elec- is operating on a skeleton crew of 14 clerks tronic and a physical stack of paper that has to and office assistants currently, Emmorey said, be brought into the courtroom,” he said. and he’s not sure how big the staff will need to The new system will allow for live posting of be when the new system is launched. Ideally, payments, the results of which will be evident the court could use five more staff members to on Thursdays, during the court’s time-to-pay maintain the current system. docket. Currently, those who pay fines on their “I’ve been slow to hire because I needed court date to avoid a hearing still have to appear to see what kind of employment levels we because of the speed of paper system. Rather actually needed,” he said. “ … As we develop than adjudicating the case electronically, a judge our new case process we’ll once again have to requires physical proof of payment. assess what kind of tasks ... actually need to be “Because we’ll have live posting and because performed.” we won’t have to have that physical file in hand Emmorey added that the new system could to take a payment, we’re actually going to move potentially slow things down in court, initially, our payment windows downstairs,’ Emmorey while staff is getting acquainted with it. said. “The payment windows are going to be on “Nationwide, Tyler has more than 800 mu- the first floor.” nicipal court clients using the Incode system, in- In addition, the paperless case management cluding 15 in Alabama,” Tyler spokesman Tony system will allow the court more flexibility Katsulos wrote in an email message. Locally, when deciding if a case even needs to come to courts in Robertsdale, Loxley and Saraland have court, Emmorey said. The court will be able implemented it, he wrote. to set up digital queues that a judge can access Gulf Shores was listed by Katsulos as using remotely. This is important when it comes to the technology, but Clerk Kenneth McKenzie continuances or other motions. Currently, the said they used the software for four months in paper system slows down processing of such 2006 before switching back to their old system. motions. He said, at that point, the system “wasn’t ready “I think a lot of the motions we do in munici- for Alabama” and what state law requires. pal court don’t actually need to come to court,” “At the time, they weren’t what we were he said. used to,” McKenzie said. As an example, if an attorney files a continu- Biloxi, Mississippi, has also used the system ance, the attorney who made the motion still has since 2007. Clerk Pamela Trochesset said at first to come to court to make sure it’s granted. the experience wasn’t positive. She said the staff “We’re kind of slow with our processing did not get good training on the system initially of motions,” Emmorey said. “That’s just some and did not ask enough questions about it. Tro- processing that we’re working on. It shouldn’t chesset said Tyler was good about answering the be that way and we’re working on it now, but questions once staff was engaged and the kinks it’s going to be far more effective when we have were eventually worked out. Tyler and we can route it through the queues ….” She called Incode a “good system” and said An attempt to go paperless a few years ago the information it gives for the running of re- using a suite of different software programs ports is much better than Biloxi’s old system.

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 9 BB BAYBRIEFS | MOBILE After weeks of debate, Uber staying in Mobile BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER | [email protected]

dding in concessions for both sides, the Mobile City Coun- Uber drivers use on their personal vehicles. amendment offered by White appeared to be part of a “coordi- cil voted July 14 to amend its vehicle-for-hire ordinance to White also argued for stricter insurance restrictions on the nated effort to make it as tough on Uber as possible.” allow for the legal operation of ride-hailing service Uber application-based service, similar to what commercial insurance “The public needed to know where the resistance was coming and other similar companies within the city limits. cabs must have in order to operate. In lieu of commercial insur- from,” Cooper said. AThe unanimous vote came after weeks of back-and-forth ance, White asked councilors to consider requiring commercial Rich said she only provided information related to vehicle-for- involving representatives from both Uber and existing taxi service insurance already offered by Uber to be in effect regardless of hire insurance coverage, as something to think about and not as a Mobile Bay Transportation on issues concerning insurance, back- whether a driver’s individual insurance will cover an accident. way to “kill” the ride-hailing service. ground checks and fares. Kessler said Uber provides at least the same level of cover- Jim Walker, owner of three downtown restaurants including Jarrod White, an attorney representing the taxi company owned age as a cab company if there is a passenger in the vehicle. The Union, Liquid Lounge and OK Bicycle Shop, was among the by State Rep. Margie Wilcox, was one of two speakers in op- insurance is effective from the moment the driver accepts a fare many speakers in favor of the amended ordinance. Walker told position to the amended ordinance. While White told councilors through to its completion. councilors that approving another form of transportation for the a public safety committee meeting was able to iron out “95 to 98 While she voted in favor of the amendment, Councilwoman city would mean the downtown area would see greater tax revenue percent” of the issues, he suggested a few more. Bess Rich did ask audience members to imagine a scenario where due to fewer concerns over drinking and driving. For instance, he said since the amendment already allowed an Uber driver, with the app turned on, but without a rider, rear- He, and many others, also complained about the length of time cabs to use dynamic pricing, like Uber, he wanted requirements ends another vehicle. She said the Uber driver’s private insurance it takes to hail a cab in the city. for a standard fare removed. White said leaving the pricing might turn down a claim because the application was engaged. In other business, the council voted to re-appropriate $32,805 requirements in place would be confusing for passengers. In ad- Rich said this could lead to high out-of-pocket expenses for the from funds earmarked for a litter boat, to hire contractors to pick dition, White said rules for the way a cab looks, or the need for a driver and passenger of the other vehicles. She said she ultimately up trash by boat on Three Mile Creek, One Mile Creek and Dog meter are unfair to cabbies. approved the amendment because the city has bigger priorities. River. The city already has plans to convert a donated boat into a Assistant City Attorney Florence Kessler told councilors during Rich blamed Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s Chief of Staff Colby litter boat and has a grant application pending for a third. a pre-conference meeting the reason the mandates for uniform Cooper for taking her concerns out of context and posting to The council also approved the rezoning of a piece of property paint and signage remained was passengers hail taxis on the street social media on Saturday night that she was trying to “kill” Uber. at the southwest corner of University Boulevard Service Road and and don’t require the use of a smartphone application, like Uber. Cooper admitted he posted comments about Rich’s opposition to Aurelia Street from residential to business to allow for a home White argued that existing cabs in Mobile are typically hailed Facebook and Twitter and provided copies of the posts and tweets for women and children, operated by Alabama Baptist Children’s by a phone call and not randomly on the street. He suggested in- to Lagniappe. Home. Descendents of Zach Logan opposed the measure because stead of requirements for the paint or lights on top of the vehicles, On Tuesday, he said he made the comments because her emails they wanted it to become a park in his honor. cabs be allowed to use a magnetic sign or decal, similar to what to the administration and fellow councilors of changes to the BB carl takes helm of Mobile county commission BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected] he Mobile County Commission got a new president this political hot spot we anticipated simply because of the [small] recurring surplus. It’s a one-time sale of an asset.” morning, as District 3 Commissioner Jerry Carl rotated into amount of money we’re dealing with,” Carl said. “Obviously, that Hudson said she couldn’t speak for Mallick on the plans for the the seat that has been occupied by Commissioner Connie [funding level] is a disappointment to all of us.” garage, but she did say she understood it to be something open to Hudson for the past 16 months. Carl is not alone, as at least five other members of Alabama’s the public. She also said Mallick was first on the list to purchase TAs president, Carl will chair the biweekly meetings of the com- Gulf Coast Recovery Council have expressed “disappointment” in the property because the lease included an option to buy. mission and will also act as the chief elected official during any the final settlement with BP. One member, Alabama State Port Au- “The top two or three floors are not filled now, so it’s not declared emergency or disaster in Mobile County. The title does thority CEO Jimmy Lyons, said the final dollar figure was about anywhere near capacity,” Hudson said. “They may have plans to not give the president’s vote more weight on the three-member $400 million less than he anticipated. completely renovate it and charge for the spaces. At least that’s Commission — which is one of the smallest in Alabama. Some have pointed the finger at Gov. Robert Bentley, whose what I understood them to be doing.” District 1 Commissioner Merceria Ludgood also rotated into office had a hand in negotiating the final settlement. Carl said that The Commission was able to negotiate a three-year discounted Carl’s old position as vice president of the commission. might not be fair. rate for its employees, some of whom have used the parking deck “It’s truly an honor to be able to serve Mobile County as the “Everybody is quick to blame the governor, but he didn’t set in the past. Hudson said that agreement would include roughly 50 president of the commission, but I really don’t view it as much the price on any of that,” Carl said. “Obviously, there’s things I’d parking spaces for county employees and a similar arrangement different than what I’ve been doing,” Carl said. “We’re still going like to see done, but we’ve got to recalculate and see exactly how for employees of the Mobile County District Attorney’s office. to represent the taxpayers of Mobile County. I may have to at- much we have. It’s still unclear, because nobody has seen any true tend more meetings and do a little more traveling but, I view my documentation.” Soccer field purchasing option extended, again responsibilities to be the same whether I’m the president or not.” Carl is one of several government officials who’ve had trouble Last July, the Commission approved an updated agreement to One interesting perk of the new position is a seat on the Ala- getting hard facts about the settlement because of a confidentiality purchase the 116 acres at the I-65/I-10 corridor slated to house the bama Gulf Coast Recovery Council (AGCRC), which will oversee agreement agreed to by Bentley, Attorney General Luther Strange county’s contested $20.7 million tournament soccer facility. the distribution of RESTORE Act funding received from the and the U.S. Department of Justice. On July 9, the Commission approved a $10,000 extension to Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. that purchasing option that will extend the county’s reservation Only weeks ago, BP tentatively settled its portion of multiple Parking garage sale nets $3 million on the property for another 120 days. As part of the agreement, federal, state and local lawsuits for approximately $18.7 bil- The Mobile County Commission voted July 9 to move forward all the money the county has paid for the option — $36,000 to lion over the next 18 years. AGCRC will have oversight of an with the sale of the county’s parking garage located adjacent to date — will ultimately be credited to the $2.9 million purchase of estimated $599 million to award to environmental and economic Government Plaza on Joachim Street for an even $3 million. the property. The Mobile City Council has also agreed to give the development projects in Mobile and Baldwin counties (see this The sale was finalized to Downtown Parking LLC, run by hote- county $1.5 million toward that purchase. week’s cover story for more information). lier Theodora Mallick, at just above the building’s appraised value Last Thursday, Hudson said she didn’t think the county would Mobile County has sponsored several proposals for potential of $2.9 million, according to County Attorney Jay Ross. Mallick, have to extend the option again, and could have a final decision on RESTORE Act funding including Hudson’s request for $40 mil- who also operates the Admiral Semmes Hotel located on Joachim a land deal during the course of the 120-day extension. lion for a proposed soccer and aquatic complex near the intersec- Street, has leased the garage from the county for years. One of the last hurdles delaying the purchase has been the per- tion of Interstates 10 and 65. That project, which Hudson has Then-Commission President Connie Hudson didn’t speak to mitting process through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which championed for more than a year, has been a point of contention the financial details of that lease immediately following the meet- recently requested additional information on the water park and with Carl, who originally proposed a much less expensive soccer ing last Thursday, did say the county “wasn’t making a profit off aquatic center that are planned to be a part of the complex’s later complex at a competing location in Irvington. of it.” construction phases. So far, Carl has voted against nearly every motion made in “If we were making a big profit from something, we sure “We think we’re close to getting our permit through the Corps relation to Hudson’s proposal. However, Carl said Tuesday limited wouldn’t be selling it off. I promise you,” said Hudson, who of Engineers, but there’s still some final details work out. But, funding secured in the settlement may have eliminated the soccer couldn’t put an exact date on when the county took ownership of we’ll have a meeting [July 9],” Hudson said. “ I think we’ll be complex from the list of RESTORE Act funding priorities. the garage. “It predates the construction of [Government Plaza]. able to answer some of the remaining issues the Corps has, and I “I don’t think the RESTORE council is going to be quite the The money will go directly into the general fund, but this is not a feel like we’re really close.”

10 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 BAYBRIEFS | BALDWIN COUNTY BB New judges appointed in Baldwin county courts BY ERIC MANN/REPORTER | [email protected]

aldwin County’s newest judges in the earned his Juris Doctorate from the Thomas 28th Judicial Circuit were recognized Goode Jones School of Law. He is the city at- during an investiture ceremony on Fri- torney for the town of Silverhill, served as Bald- day at the Baldwin County Courthouse win County Assistant District Attorney from Bin Bay Minette. Scott Taylor was sworn in as 1998-2002 and worked in the Alabama Attorney circuit court judge, replacing retiring judge Rob- General’s office from 1995-1997. ert Wilters, while J. Clark Stankoski was sworn Stankoski cited his work as a contract attor- in as district court judge. ney for the court as a significant influence on his A former district court judge, Taylor was life. He said Judge J. Langford Floyd, who is the appointed by Gov. Robert Bentley in June to Judicial Commission Chairman, approached him replace retiring judge Robert Wilters. On July 7 about 10 years ago asking if he’d be interested Bentley appointed Stankoski, of the Fairhope- in contract attorney work. based firm Stankoski LLP, to fill the district “I wasn’t looking for that kind of work, but judge position vacated by Taylor. I agreed to do it and I have learned so much Taylor will be the 17th Baldwin County from representing people who cannot afford to judge since the circuit court was created there in represent themselves,” Stankoski said. “Those 1948, while Stankoski is the 13th district judge 10 years working as a contract attorney for the since 1977, according to former Alabama State court has really changed me.” Bar President Samuel L. Crosby. The new district judge was introduced by Taylor earned his Juris Doctorate from the his father, Dan Stankoski, and brother, Rob Thomas Goode Jones School of Law and has Stankoski. practiced criminal, juvenile, domestic rela- “I was an FBI agent and many times I took tions, real estate, tort law, adoption, municipal him with me down to the FBI office at the planning and zoning, contract law and more. A federal building in Dothan,” Dan Stankoski said. graduate of the University of South Alabama “It also housed the U.S. District Court. Every and Bayside Academy in Daphne, Taylor has now and then we would drop in and see what also served court-appointed positions as media- was going on in the federal court system. He tor for Baldwin County Domestic Relations was exposed often to the legal system.” and District Court, served as special master for Dan Stankoski said his son’s experience as the county’s circuit court and worked for the a prosecutor for the district attorney’s office, Alabama State Bar. as well as his time spent as a criminal defense “I love my job,” Taylor, who took office as attorney, allow him to be fair when ruling from a district judge in 2012, said. “I get up every the bench. morning excited about coming to work. I’m “These experiences place him in the unique grateful for all the people who have made this position of seeing issues from both sides,” he possible. I will do my best to work hard to be said. just, fair and efficient and to make sound deci- Generally, district courts have jurisdiction sions for the people of Baldwin County.” over criminal misdemeanors and hold prelimi- The circuit court hears cases involving civil nary hearings in felony prosecutions. District matters in which the amount in controversy judges have concurrent jurisdiction with circuit exceeds $10,000. It also handles criminal pros- judges in juvenile matters and civil matters ecutions for felony offenses and family court. that do not exceed $10,000, as well as “small The circuit court also has appellate jurisdiction claims” cases with costs not exceeding $3,000. over cases appealed by the district, probate and Stankoski and Taylor were among the nomi- municipal courts as well as certain administra- nees picked by the Baldwin County Judicial tive and municipal boards. Commission — Leon Allen, Lee Lawson, As a circuit judge, Taylor will have to seek Patrick Bussey III and Jessica M. McDill — for reelection on the Republican ticket in the March submission to the governor. 2016 primary election, announcing his inten- Following Wilters’ retirement announcement, tion to do so July 7. He previously served as the commission requested applications from a member of the Baldwin County Republican attorneys who wished to fill the position. The Executive Committee. commission sent Bentley the names of Taylor, Retired circuit judge James H. Reid intro- Stankoski and William “Bill” Scully Jr. as final- duced Taylor during the investiture ceremony. ists for the Circuit Court Judge position, which “Judge Taylor has served with distinction in Taylor Ultimately won. Brian Dasinger, Michael one of the busiest courts in the state of Ala- Hoyt, Mary Murchison, Thomas Pilcher, Wil- bama,” Reid said. “Over the past two years I’ve liam Scully Jr., Stankoski and Taylor were the been fortunate to share an adjoining office with seven nominees for the circuit court position. Judge Taylor in the Fairhope courthouse. I have For the district judge position, Stankoski observed that he understands that to deal with a was selected over finalists Scully and Thomas caseload the size of Baldwin County’s, you must Pilcher. Other nominees were Brian Dasinger, come early and stay late. Richard Davis Jr., Virginia “Ginger” Poynter, “Judge Taylor understands that even though Donald D. “Wayne” Doerr Jr., Matt Simpson, every case has a number, that number represents Michaelyn Gober, Kyle Henderson and Mary a person,” Reid continued. “And that person Murchison. has a family and is a member of the community. Following his retirement, Wilters announced Judge Taylor will treat every case not as a num- his intention to run for the office of Baldwin ber, but as a person.” County District Attorney in the March 2016 pri- Stankoski, who was born in Dothan, also mary election against incumbent Hallie Dixon.

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 11 CC COMMENTARYD AMN THE TORPEDOES Majoring in the minor in Mobtown BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

picked the wrong week to get the heck On the flip side, some who wanted any men- all wrong. People are ready to relive the Civil out of Dodge. tion of the CSA expunged from the seal took the War over the damn city seal, but couldn’t care As I was bobbing around in five-foot opportunity to try wringing more white guilt out less about having a license commissioner who swells off the Florida Keys last week, of the situation while also trampling the heritage lies to the media, misleads the county commis- Iall manner of insanity was breaking loose of those who honor their Civil War ancestors sion and misuses their personal information. As in the “City of An As-Yet-Undetermined for a multitude of reasons other than slavery. long as we have 10-minute tags and the Rebel Amount of Flags.” People were chaining Councilman Fred Richardson reminded a room Flag, we’re fat and happy. themselves to oak trees and losing their full of people who had absolutely nothing to do Some of our leaders spend so much time minds over Confederate flags. In many with any of it how his ancestors were treated looking for racism they do nothing else, unless ways I feel I may have missed one of the like hogs, and assigned evil intentions to those it involves getting on a big ol’ jet airliner to go more important weeks in the history of this who created the city seal. As usual, though, he hang out in Paris. once-historic city. seems to have been getting that information We are professionals at majoring in the Driving back into town, there was a from somewhere in the deepest creases of his minor. I love Mobile’s oak trees as much as palpable feeling of calm in the air, as if there own brain or from deep in outer space. anyone, but the backlash that came from cutting had been a really big argument and everyone It definitely will serve the city well that a few non-“heritage” oaks so a dirty old eyesore was back in his or her room brooding. I will there was no compromise and a complete lack parking lot downtown can be turned into a hotel admit, from 800 miles away it all seemed of consideration of feelings on either side. Af- that will bring jobs and visitors was overkill. like a rather ridiculous expenditure of en- ter all, these BIG issues really affect our lives. Plant some new trees and watch them grow. ergy more fitting for the hicks in Mayberry, Sherman’s army still couldn’t get across Ann Even just trying to get Uber in this town has but now that I’m back I’m reminded this is Street’s potholed surface, the city can’t make become a fight because the politician who owns just the way we do things. the Press-Register stop bombarding our streets the cab company that dominates Mobile with The flag fight was treated like a life- and waterways with tons of trash each week and service that is run-of-the-mill at best seems to or-death decision. Racism in Mobile must someone seems to be getting shot in a skirmish be using her clout to try to kill it. certainly be gone after that much energy every other day right now, but at least our lead- I’m not saying people shouldn’t have opin- was spent on both sides. There is no telling ers and citizens have taken the time to wrangle ions about things happening around us, but it how many unspeakable atrocities must have thoroughly over the city seal. Almost makes me would be nice to see the real energy put into been committed by some redneck or another long for the days of “Squirrelgate.” making sure we put decent people in office, driven into a racist tizzy after staring at the Perhaps someone — maybe even Council- demanding better schools or doing more to city seal for hours as they love to do. Hope- man Richardson — will now lead the charge to clean up our city rather than getting so wound fully with no Confederate States of America spend lots of money repainting police cars and up about the city seal, feeding squirrels or cut- flag on the seal, that’s finally over. otherwise burning tax dollars removing the old ting a few trees. Of course those who wanted the seal to city seal from view. Maybe we ought to just put a magnifying remain exactly the same whined the city’s Sometimes I wonder how anything ever gets glass on Mobile’s city seal in honor of our love of entire history has been destroyed by the done in this town at all. We have our priorities blowing the little things so far out of proportion. banishment of most flags from the seal, as if most citizens look to the city seal for educa- tional purposes. The Civil War now has been T HEG ADFLY wiped out as a historical event, as have the memories of those other countries that once ruled here. I’m having trouble recalling their names. Was Poland one of them? I can see how people would be upset to have history erased so quickly and finally. On the positive side though, this may offer local historians an opportunity to come up with a better storyline for what happened in Mobile from 1861-1865. Let’s go with something having to do with a golden age of soccer fields, airplane manufacturing and maritime tourism so we’ll look like we’re just getting back to our roots after a 150-year break. Perhaps the most cleansing part of the “flag flap” is it gave both sides of the issue an opportunity to stand up and show how absolutely little they care about the other’s point of view, or even about actual history itself. This town has needed a relatively meaningless issue like this to further divide us racially for some time. Driving that point home, those who wanted to keep the Third National Flag — even though it features the “battle flag” in one corner — stood up publicly and prof- fered the ridiculous notion the Civil War Cartoon/Laura Rasmussen had nothing to do with slavery and was all about states’ rights and eradication of the boll weevil, or something like that. That probably went over well with those whose ancestors actually were slaves, not to men- Stripped of its historical banners, the Mobile City Council tion it did a pretty good job of insulting anyone who ever opened a history book. attempts to keep the city seal relevant.

12 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 COMMENTARYHIDDEN AGENDA C PcP and porn: An addict’s road to recovery BY ASHLEY TRICE/EDITOR | [email protected] Editor’s Note: This column originally ran in followed by a “sweet shop” themed fete the next found one. Capes made of towels! Genius! wrapping them with colored paper and attaching August 2014. year, with giant clear jars everywhere filled with I called my dealer and told her about them. little yellow squares as the windows. My husband colorful candies and cupcakes. This being my first time, I didn’t want to do it sweetly told me to come to bed and get some rest n retrospect, it was one of the worst experi- Her son has had a “food fight” party with all alone. because we had a big day ahead. I told him to go F ences of my life. I only tried PCP once, but that “spaghetti” artfully thrown everywhere, a “rock “Come on over, we can knock that out in no himself. It was a dark time and place to be. was enough for me to learn just how addictive star party” that had laminated VIP passes with lan- time,” Kim said. The guests arrived and the kids, and most es- it was. I knew I had a problem when at 5 a.m., yards as the invitations and a pirate party, where So I took a deep breath and headed to her pecially my birthday boy, seemed to have a blast. II was still awake, sitting on the floor patheti- they turned their swing set into a pirate ship by house one Saturday morning. She had all of Though they were more impressed with the water cally cutting out tiny squares of yellow paper and attaching sails and pirate flag to it. Seriously. her “paraphernalia” already out on the kitchen slide than the capes and labeled super food. WTF attaching to them cardboard boxes. One by one I would say to my husband as we drove off table — scissors, glue gun, felt, you know, the was wrong with these kids? by one. Over and over again. Like a mindless, from one of her parties, “Gah, that was just ridicu- usual stuff. The mothers gave me that look, and said things drooling robot. lous. She must have spent a thousand dollars and a She took the Superman diamond pattern I had like, “You should do this for a living” and “Oh I couldn’t stop. I just needed one more “build- million hours on that. Just ridiculous.” printed out and she started cutting out pieces of this is too much!” I knew what they really meant ing.” One more centerpiece. One more backdrop. I hated her. I mean, I love her dearly, but I yellow felt and told me to start gluing them to was “Show-off bitch.” Just one more fix and everything would be perfect. hated her too. Womenfolk (and Kim), you know each towel (cape). Then she took my guest list They hated me. I hated me. I knew I had to get I finally collapsed around dawn, barely even what I mean. It’s a compliment. and started cutting out the first letter of each of off the sauce. And I did. Never again, I said. able to wake up to attend the very party for which I only hated her because I was beginning to their names to put in said diamonds. Her breath- For his fourth birthday, we went to one of I had spent the last few weeks, including the last feel really inadequate about the errr, “basic” par- ing got somewhat shallow and her eyes glazed those bouncy places and I threw a store-bought 24 hours straight, preparing. ties I had been throwing for my kids. We had not over. Then she said cheerfully, “Oh, these are cake up on the counter in the party room and we I had swallowed the drug willingly, and experi- really done much of anything for my son’s first going to be so cute!” sang happy birthday. Easy peasy. Sweet recovery enced the ecstasy and agony that comes from try- two birthday parties other than stand around and After she did a few, she slid them over to me was mine. ing to recreate one of those perfect-mom, Pinterest watch him smash up his cakes while drinking and said, “OK, your turn.” Another year has almost gone by and I’ve been birthday parties for my son. wine. (I should probably clarify we were the ones I was a little nervous but it looked like it made clean for the most part except one little hiccup Parties for Children by Pinterest (PCP) had drinking said wine, not him.) her feel so good, so I did it. And it did feel good. around my daughter’s second birthday party. But claimed another victim. So when it came to his third, I decided I was At first. But I would soon learn it would take more it was just a brief relapse involving the invitation. Like any addict, I had a dealer who first intro- going to pull a Kim. Anders was really into super- and more decorations to sustain it. Last week, I asked my son what he wanted to duced me to the Pinterest party poison. One of my heroes, so I called her up and she told me to look After we spent a few hours at her house, she sent do for his party this year. oldest and dearest friends, Kim, whose children on Pinterest for superhero party ideas. me home to finish them up. A Saturday was lost and “Mommy,” he said. “Remember my superhero are a little older than mine, has always put on the I had never really gone on there, but once I did then a Sunday. But boy, they were indeed cute. party? We had the waterslide and the capes. That most amazing birthday soirees for her kids. She I knew who Kim’s “supplier” had been and how The week leading up to the party is a total blur. was the best birthday party ever. Can we do one thinks of everything, from clever invitations to she had fallen down this rabbit hole. Image after I shamelessly begged a graphic designer friend just like that but with pirates?” cakes that look like works of art to themed eats image of creative party ideas. There must have to make signs labeling the all of the items on the (Rookie move! Why did I even ask? Doh!) and drinks and favors. She has a small army of been thousands of them – one even more alluring food table, like “Super Fruit” and “Super Rice “Of course we can, sweetheart,” I said. people (her husband, mother and sister, among than the next. It was kid birthday party porn, and Krispie Treats.” I don’t know why they were super My palms started sweating. I picked up the others) to help her transform her carport and back- boy, was I aroused. or why food needed signs. But I was under the in- phone and texted my dealer. yard into a magical new environment. We were having a water slide in the backyard fluence and I thought I needed them, and I would “What do you have in the way of pirate party Her daughter has had a “garden party” com- because you know superheroes dig those, so I have done anything for them. Anything. ideas and décor?” I wrote. plete with large, colorful tissue paper flowers wanted a “favor” that would complement the wa- Rock bottom came at 5 a.m. the morning of “Oh, I’ve got a lot of good stuff,” Kim wrote. stuck all over the yard for the kids to run around ter element of the party. (That’s the PCP talking, the party, I had not yet been to bed and I was “OK, I’ll take it all,” I replied. in as if they were in a field of sunflowers and joy, sorry.) And about image 612 into the party porn, I making “skyscrapers” out of cardboard boxes by Here we go again. Arghhh!

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 13 C COMMENTARYTHE GRIOT’S CORNER Objection to basic fairness, civil protections nothing new BY KEN ROBINSON/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

he release of the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown preme Court decision was constant, loud and sometimes violent. extension, is God a god of injustice, bigotry and narrow-minded- v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas was akin to an More than 60 years later, it’s apparent the world did not end, ness, which many of our laws at one time or another manifested? atomic bomb going off in the United States. Armageddon, society did not unravel and America is still here. The same will Moore has also said the Supreme Court has “destroyed the it seemed, had come. Yet, this apocalypse was not by the be said decades from now as the Supreme Court’s ruling giving institution of God” and that the Court’s decision violates the Thands of our then-archenemy Soviet Union, but, through the ac- gays the right to marry is reflected upon. It will not have been freedom to practice religion. Concurring, Jim Daly, president tions of “traitorous” Supreme Court justices. the ruination of American society, or the great departure from of the Christian organization Focus on the Family, observed, The anger and angst against the 5-4 decision was real. Missis- the principles that founded it, as some are now claiming. On the “We are also concerned that this decision will fan the flames of sippi Sen. James Eastland said, “On May 17, 1954, the Constitu- contrary, it’s an example of the progress and inclusiveness that’s government hostility against individuals, businesses and religious tion of the United States was destroyed because the Supreme implicit in our democratic system of government. organizations whose convictions prevent them from officiating at, Court disregarded the law and decided that integration was right. Ours has been a democracy in progress, an unfurling and participating in or celebrating such unions.” Conclusions such as You [whites who felt like him] are not required to obey any evolving process. At this point, it’s just doing so to accommodate these are unfounded and absurd. court which passes out [a desegregation] ruling. In fact, you are those who love differently from what the majority has been ac- The Free Exercise Clause in the First Amendment protects obliged to defy it.” customed to. But their love should be respected just the same. clergy from being required to officiate same-sex marriages, and Even President Dwight Eisenhower could sympathize with Yet, if we listen to the detractors against the gay marriage churches from being forced to marry gay and lesbian couples. those who were aghast at the possibility of blacks enrolling in decision, it’s almost as though we’ve been transported back to What about affiliated nonprofits of religious institutions such as classrooms alongside white children. While sitting next to Su- 1954. The language used by opponents to the Court’s decision hospitals, schools and charities? Will the recent ruling lead to a preme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren at a White House dinner has been strong and acerbic, from accusations the Court “created torrent of lawsuits against such for any stance against gay mar- in 1954, President Eisenhower told him, “[Segregationists] are out of thin air an imaginary right for gay marriage,” to cries that riage on religious grounds? not bad people. All they are concerned about is to see that their “we must resist and reject judicial tyranny.” It’s highly unlikely because there is no federal law banning sweet little girls are not required to sit in school alongside some Some have even advocated outright disobeying of the ruling discrimination based on sexual orientation. Also, of the states that big, black bucks.” and resurrected Southern Civil War and post Brown positions do ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation (there are Some of the justices themselves wrestled with integrat- of “interposition” and “nullification,” discredited legal theories 22), most (13) have, at the least, written into their anti-discrimi- ing American society. Justice Felix Frankfurter observed that holding that state governments could prevent the federal govern- nation statutes some protections for religious groups. although segregation appears “invidious and irrational,” the ment from enforcing federal law in a particular state, and that a It has to be understood that what the Supreme Court extended Supreme Court itself could “hardly deny the existence of the sin- state can “nullify” federal laws a state deems unconstitutional. to homosexuals were civil rights, not religious rights. Mar- cerity and passion of those who think that their blood, birth and Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore recently noted America ried same-sex couples will now enjoy the same legal rights and lineage are something worthy of protection by separatism.” was founded as a Christian nation where ALL law flows from benefits as married heterosexual couples nationwide and will be Justice Robert Jackson noted he was concerned that desegre- God and where the duty of the government is to promote and recognized on official documents such as birth and death certifi- gation would put whites in the “unfamiliar and the unpleasant” protect God’s law as revealed by Holy Scripture. Yet, as we look cates. The world will not end because of this. Overly emotional position of having to adjust to regular contact with blacks. From back on our history and at the laws that were erected to enslave, objections to merely the extension of civil protections and basic the halls of Congress, to statehouses, to pulpits around the coun- persecute, isolate, deny rights, etc. are we to say God would ap- fairness is unbecoming of us as Americans, but as we’ve seen, try, the outcry against this ungodly, abominable and ruinous Su- prove? Did God endorse or inspire the authors of such laws? By unfortunately, it’s nothing new.

14 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 COMMENTARYBELTWAY BEAT C Alabama’s immigrantion bill never got anyone killed BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

f we’ve learned anything from the tragic killing of But it is nowhere near the level of what Alabama officials on Al Sharpton’s ability to rabble-rouse racial animosity. 32-year-old Kate Steinle — allegedly by Juan Francisco faced in 2011 after passage of what was known as the Beason- In the wake of the Steinle tragedy, there is no movement Lopez-Sanchez, a seven-time felon who had been deported Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, or by the national media to seek out sanctuary cities and examine to Mexico five times — it is that there are two sets of Alabama HB 56. crime trends. There are no calls to boycott businesses headquar- Istandards for state and local governments that take parts of The legislation itself was immediately very effective in that tered in San Francisco, which include a number of household immigration policy into their own hands. it discouraged those here illegally from seeking employment names, such as Levi Strauss, Banana Republic, Old Navy and In the city of San Francisco’s case, that so-called “sanctu- and utilizing taxpayer-funded public services. Wells Fargo. ary city” policy backfired in a major way when Lopez-Sanchez But it also drew a lot of media scrutiny. Reporters from It is a totally different standard. California can get away with admitted he went to San Francisco because city officials there national news organizations like CNN and the Associated Press things that Alabama cannot. would not turn him over to federal officials for deportation. descended upon Alabama seeking hardship stories — Mexican If only Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez were wearing a Con- That prompted Alabama senior U.S. Senator Richard Shelby restaurants having to close their doors, farmers too reliant upon federate flag bandana on his head. to condemn sanctuary cities last week in a letter to U.S. Attor- cheap undocumented labor having to watch their crops wither U.S. immigration policy is in dire need of some sort of ney General Loretta Lynch. on the vine and Alabama employers burdened with the high reform. Unfortunately there are political and economic interest “Any violent crime is tragic, but the fact that the senseless cost of screening employees to ensure they were legal. guiding the current movement. An unholy alliance of big busi- death in San Francisco arose directly from a ‘sanctuary city’ It also provoked calls to boycott the state altogether. ness with a desire for cheap labor combined with the Democrat- deliberately obstructing policies to remove illegal immigrants But it wasn’t activism or the ginned-up public relations ic Party’s hopes they can grow their voter base with this entire who have committed crimes is appalling and inexcusable,” effort that led to the law’s demise. The 11th Circuit Court of new Hispanic immigrant demographic has left many Americans Shelby wrote. “I strongly believe that interfering with the rou- Appeals invalidated portions of the law and effectively killed skeptical of the entire process. tine coordination of federal law enforcement is intolerable and what was demonized as the “show me your papers law.” But when the time comes to do so and the politics allow potentially deadly to law-abiding American families.” Not too much unlike HB 56, sanctuary-city policies in- it to happen, the policy needs to eliminate any state and local He called on Lynch’s Justice Department to end taxpayer- volve local governments encroaching on the federal govern- government-imposed laws and compel the federal government funded federal grants to jurisdictions that do not follow federal ment jurisdiction. But our executive branch doesn’t seem all to enforce that standard. immigration deportation policies. that concerned. Sacrificing public safety for political correctness is not “Municipalities that refuse to cooperate with federal im- The Obama administration, with standing to sue cities like acceptable. migration laws simply should not receive the Department of San Francisco that have sanctuary policies that contradict U.S. We need to think hard about what type of individuals are Justice’s assistance funding,” he added. “The freedoms we immigration law, has deflected questions about the murder of allowed into the country. It’s a buyer’s market for the United enjoy — like strolling on a San Francisco pier with our children Kate Steinle. States when it comes to which immigrants should be allowed — are possible only when we are willing to enforce the federal This is the same White House that was quick to weigh in to settle here. We don’t need a “three strikes and you’re out” laws that keep our families and our freedoms safe.” on the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Freddie policy, but a “one strike and you’re out” policy. Other than a few gestures from legislators that probably Gray. But when White House press secretary Josh Earnest was While this reformation isn’t likely to happen at least until won’t be followed up on by this White House, the backlash confronted last week with a question about Steinle, he declined after the 2016 presidential election, I suspect some places will generated by this episode has been somewhat tempered. There comment. continue to try to enact their own form of immigration laws. have been some mouthpieces in conservative circles preaching The lesson here is there’s not only a double standard when it Alabamians who tried to handle the problem the best way to the choir and taking aim at the city, known as a bastion of comes to the law, but also to the value of human life. Apparent- they saw fit shouldn’t be remorseful, because no one died hyper-liberalism, for the policy. ly your stock goes up in the eyes of this administration based from that effort.

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 15 BB BUSINESSTHE REAL DEAL Local makeup artist hired for Miss USA Pageant BY RON SIVAK/COLUMNIST | [email protected]

auren Smeraglia, owner of Baldwin leased to Results Physiotherapy located at 2344 bankruptcy auction for $8.7 million. SE Proper- County’s The Powder Room at The Schillinger Road S., directly behind Greater ties is currently reorganizing the properties and Estate, was hired as an independent con- Mobile Urgent Care. Pratt Thomas with the respective businesses to bring them back up tractor to serve as a makeup artist for the Merrill P. Thomas Co. worked for the landlord; to previous standards. The 16,000-square-foot L2015 Miss USA Pageant held July 13, accord- Niki Coker with NAI-Mobile represented the restaurant building where Wolf Bay Lodge ing to a news release. tenant. This is their second location in Mobile resides is currently listed for sale at $2.95 mil- The pageant’s official makeup brand, Make- and third in the area, according to Thomas. lion and the vacant upstairs, former home of Up Designory (MUD), pulled its support amid Mike Reid with White-Spunner Realty Zeke’s Restaurant, is available for lease. The recent controversy surrounding defamatory recently leased two suites in the Renaissance strip center, which fronts Perdido Beach Blvd., remarks regarding illegal immigrants made by Plaza Shopping Center located at the corner was sold to Shrimp Basket owner Eddie Spence Donald Trump, co-owner of the Miss USA and of Congress and Broad streets in downtown last April for $2.4 million. The marina, which Miss Universe pageants. MUD has two certifi- Mobile. Sneaker Stop, a sneaker pawn dealer is not yet listed, is also available for purchase, cation schools located in Mexico. that buys, sells and pawns high-end sneakers, according to Franz. Smeraglia was the first of eight artists con- leased 1,250 square feet of retail space. The According to James Henderson of Bellator tacted to be part of its cosmetic team. business is set to open in August. Also leased Real Estate and Development, $90,000 was “Although NBC, other companies and was some 1,250 square feet of shop space paid by a local speculator for the former New performing talent have pulled out of the show, to Boost Mobile, a no-contract, prepaid cell Horizons Credit Union site located in Satsuma we’ve opted to stay and support the women phone dealer offering phone service, equip- on U.S. Route 43. who have worked so hard to get to where they ment and accessories. are. We care about the girls and know the Some 4,220 square feet of store space was New commercial real estate firm effort that they’ve put into preparing for the recently leased to Saraland Pharmacy in the Lewis H. Golden recently announced the pageant. This year it’s going to be more about Saraland Shopping Center, located on Saraland formation of Hamilton and Company, a Mobile showcasing the individual artists instead of a Loop off Shelton Beach Road. The retailer commercial real estate firm. brand,” Smeraglia said. plans to open this month. Mike Reid of White- “I am extremely excited about the oppor- Along with fellow independent makeup Spunner Realty handled the transaction. tunity and growth we are experiencing in the artist Nicole Elle Rogers of New York City, Corner Bakery Café, a fast, casual restaurant city of Mobile and entire Gulf Coast region,” Smeraglia encourages those who want to join in 21 states and Washington, D.C., is expanding Golden said. the conversation on social media to show sup- its footprint in Alabama and considering new Golden has more than 10 years’ experi- port for the contestants by using the hashtags locations in Mobile, Birmingham, Montgomery ence in the commercial real estate industry and #hereforthegirls and #savethesash. and Huntsville. The company is targeting the handles commercial brokerage, leasing and Before the 2015 pageant, Smeraglia and state for six to eight new stores. Established in property management in the area, with a focus Rogers spent two weeks doing hair and makeup 1991, the franchise has more than 390 loca- on tenant and buyer representation and property for “Dance The World” participants at Walt Dis- tions planned for development with the goal of management. Prior to moving to Mobile, ney World in Orlando. “Dance The World” is a strengthening its foothold as one of the fastest- Golden began his career in Nashville, Tennes- performance festival, not a competition, where growing brands in the industry. It is owned and see, where he worked for Alliant Commercial dancers are given the opportunity to perform in operated by CBC Restaurant Corp., with more Realty Services, primarily focusing on com- front of thousands at Walt Disney World while than 185 locations currently around the country. mercial brokerage and leasing. vacationing with their families. A section of property fronting Academy Golden graduated from the University of The Powder Room at The Estate special- Sports Outdoors at 7460 Airport Blvd. in Alabama in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in izes in hair, makeup and photography services Mobile was recently sold for $760,000. Plans finance and a concentration in real estate devel- for bridal, pageant, theatrical, film, print and are for a 4,200-square-foot Newk’s restaurant opment. He is a licensed real estate broker in societal audiences across the country. Originally on the site. Josh Burmeister off JLL Partners both Alabama and Mississippi, a local, state and located in Fairhope, the shop will reopen in represented the franchise; Angela McArthur of national member of the Association of Realtors August at its new location at The Estate in Rob- Stirling Properties worked for the seller. and currently serves on the Board of Zoning ertsdale near the new Baldwin Beach Express. According to Lydia Franz of ReMax in Adjustment for the city of Mobile. Orange Beach, Zeke’s Landing commercial Hamilton and Company provides commer- Commercial real estate moves marina, restaurant building and strip center cial real estate advisory services covering a Some 3,200 square feet of office space was were taken over by SE Property Holdings at a number of asset classes and specialties.

16 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 17 CUISINETHE REVIEW hot dogs and ice cream, a match made in heaven BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

he Causeway is reserved for seafood, in my mind. There used to be Argiro’s muffulettas, but as long as I can remem- ber if you didn’t have at least a shrimp dish or two, you were not expected to make it. If there’s a place that can make it Twithout the ocean’s bounty, it has to be Gulf Coast Coney. Headed east on Battleship Parkway (locals call it the Cause- way), Gulf Coast Coney is one of the last signs of life on the left-hand side — save for a bait shop — until you climb the hill to Spanish Fort proper. It’s only been open a few months but folks have begged me to review it. With Boar’s Head meat products (including hot dogs) and Hershey’s ice cream, it’s easy to become a fan, but the allure is much more than product choice. The menu is a bit different from anything else around there. The coneys come several different ways, as expected, but don’t stop at New York, Chicago and De- troit style. The preparation can get a little wild. The sandwiches can be just as startling. They also offer an assortment of local(ish) favorites like Zapp’s chips, and a star-studded wall in the back corner with a rack and cooler covered in offerings from Priester’s Pecans. With pies, mini pies and pralines at the ready, ice cream isn’t the only thing to satisfy a sweet tooth. Gourmet kettle corn holds court near the entrance. For this review I thought it was a great idea Photo/ facebook.com/gulfcoastconey to take world traveler, real estate agent and Oak- leigh Garden District hot dog champion Cath- Boar’s head meats and ice cream treats make Gulf coast coney’s unique menu erine Mackey. Those three things may not sound on the causeway. They also offer a selection of Priester’s pecans. connected, but you don’t know hot dogs until you’ve had them in New Zealand, India, South- hesitation ordered the cream ($3.45 per scoop). I was told the Creole praline was one of east Asia and Africa. Outside of the States, those Alabama Dog combo ($9). their strongest flavors. It was very good. Miss Mackey had a taste places create the unlikely quadrumvirate of hot This is a Boar’s Head hot of blueberry cheesecake flavor and couldn’t resist a full scoop. We dog styles. Those of you who know Miss Mackey dog with pulled pork and were at the end of a well-rounded, balanced meal. should ask her about it. I don’t have enough room mustard. Yes, pulled pork is Remember that Priester’s section I mentioned earlier? I to explain it all. on the hot dog. I did not ask couldn’t leave without a bag of praline pecans ($8.50). That may We met at Gulf Coast Coney for a quick lunch for a sample, but she had sound steep for an 8-ounce bag, but I’d pay more. I love pralines, last Friday and were greeted by more than one no problem destroying the but I have a tendency to overindulge. These pecan pieces are “Welcome to Gulf Coast Coney.” I could tell dog along with the Voodoo- individually coated with praline mixture and are the perfect fix for Miss Mackey was taken by the picture menu flavored Zapp’s and a bottle smaller sweet cravings. that adorns the wall, and we were steered in a of water that came with the I’m not done with Gulf Coast Coney. There are plenty of items direction by our helpful apron-clad employee combo. Impressive. with my name on them. The signature ice cream dishes are entic- who asked, “Do you like spicy things?” After I was looking for ing, but buyer, beware! They are gigantic. This isn’t that cheap of our unison, “Yes,” she suggested the Toronator something a little more on a place to dine, but even for hot dogs and ice cream it’s worth it. ($4.99). the mild side and opted This may be a non-seafood restaurant braving the Causeway, Named after the Spanish Fort Toros, this is a for the Tuna Melt combo but it could be just what the doctor ordered. Closed Monday, monster of a different breed. The best way to describe it is that ($9). The word “mild” is the wrong adjective for this sandwich. catch them from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, it’s similar to chili. Beans with a dollop of sour cream and tortilla But I will use the word “delicious.” Boasting smoked yellow fin until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Sunday, for ice cream only, chips were a nice appetizer, but it should come with a warning tuna, this sandwich also has halved cherry tomatoes on the inside, from 1:30 until 6 p.m. label. When these people say hot they mean business. For the but the bread is what makes this sandwich so good. The buttery tender-tongued folks out there, this place may not hold enough ice crust is dusted with some kind of herbs that made this one more Gulf Coast Coney cream to put out the flames. Thankfully Miss Mackey and I share than pleasant. The combo price supplemented my sandwich with 5395 Battleship Parkway the same sentiments on face-melting foods. This will be a dish to regular-flavored Zapp’s and my favorite Vernor’s ginger ale. Spanish Fort, Alabama 36527 remember. Why stop there? You cannot go here without trying the ice Our hot dog hero was not here to play around and without 251-660-4899

18 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 19 rIver ShAck ($-$$) dew drOP INN ($) QUeeN G’S cAFé ($) Seafood, burgers & steaks. Classic burgers, hotdogs & setting. Down home cooking for lunch. ‘Cue 6120 Marina Dr., Dog River • 443-7318. 1808 Old Shell Rd. • 473-7872. 2518 Old Shell Rd. • 471-3361 BAckYArd cAFe & BBQ ($) The hArBOr rOOM ($-$$) dOwNTOwNerS ($) reGINA’S kITcheN ($-$$) Home cookin’ like momma made. Unique seafood. Great sandwiches, soups & salads. Sandwiches, subs and soups. 2804 Springhill Ave. • 473-4739 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 107 Dauphin St. • 433 8868 2056 Government St. • 476-2777 BAr-B-QUING wITh MY hONeY ($$) The BLUeGILL ($-$$) e wING hOUSe ($) rOLY POLY ($) BBQ, burgers, wings & seafood $ uNder $10/perSoN A historic seafood dive w/ live music. 195 S University Suite H • 662-1830. Wraps & salads. 19170 Hwy 43 Mt. Vernon. • 839-9927 $$ 10-25/perSoN 3775 Hwy. 98 • 625-1998 2212 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 479-2021 809 Hillcrest Rd. • 607-6378 BrIck PIT ($) $$$ over 25/perSoN The GrANd MArINer ($-$$) FIrehOUSe SUBS ($) 3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480 A favorite barbecue spot. Local seafood & produce. Hot subs, cold salads & catering. rOSIe’S GrILL ($-$$) 5456 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0001 6036 Rock Point Rd. • 443-5700 6300 Grelot Rd. • 631-3730 Sandwiches, southwest fare, 7 days. dreAMLANd BBQ ($) TIN TOP reSTAUrANT & OYSTer BAr ($$) FIve GUYS BUrGerS & FrIeS ($) 1203 Hwy 98 Ste. 3D, Daphne Ribs, sandwiches & great sides. from the depths Seafood, Steaks, & extensive wine list. 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2393 626-2440 3314 Old Shell Rd. • 479-9898. BAUdeAN’S ($$) MOe’S OrIGINAL BAr B QUe ($) Fried, grilled, steamed & always fresh. 6232 Bon Secour Hwy Cnty Rd. 10. 4663 Airport Blvd. • 300-8425 rOYAL kNIGhT ($) 949-5086 FOOSAckLY’S ($) Steak night on fridays. Bar-b-que & music. 3300 River Rd. • 973-9070 BONeFISh GrILL ($$) wINTzeLL’S OYSTer hOUSe ($-$$) Famous chicken fingers. 3004 Gov’t Blvd • 287-1220 Bayfront Park Dr., Daphne • 625-RIBS 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427 Eclectic dining & space. 605 Dauphin St. • 432-4605 310 S. University Blvd. • 343-0047 rOYAL STreeT cAFe ($) 6700 Airport Blvd. • 341-1111 Homemade lunch & breakfast. 4672 Airport Blvd. • 300-8516 6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196 2250 Airport Blvd. • 479-2922 1208 Shelton Beach Rd., 7641 Airport Blvd. • 607-7667 104 N. Royal St. • 434-0011 SAUcY Q BArBQUe ($) BOUdreAUX’S cAJUN GrILL ($-$$) Award-winning BarBQue. Quality Cajun & New Orleans Saraland • 442-3335 2558 Schillinger Rd. • 219-7761. SATOrI cOFFeehOUSe ($) 3249 Dauphin St. • 479-2000 Coffee, smoothies, lunch & beers. 1111 Government Blvd. • 433-7427 Cuisine. 29249 US Highway 98 SMOkeY deMBO SMOke hOUSe ($) Daphne. • 621-1991 ISTANBUL GrILL ($) 5460 Old Shell Rd. • 344-4575 cAJUN SeAFOOd ($) Completely Authentic Turkish Resturant. SerdA’S cOFFeehOUSe ($) 3758 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 473-1401 Seafood market & deli fresh seafood. 3702 Airport Blvd. • 461-6901 Coffee, lunches, live music & gelato. JAMAIcAN vIBe ($) 408 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 478-9897 Comfortable 3 Royal St. S. • 415-3000 AL’S hOTdOGS ($) Mind-blowing island food. SPOT OF TeA ($) drop dead crAvIN cAJUN ($) Classic hotdogs, gyros & milkshakes. Po-boys, salads & seafood. 3700 Gov’t Blvd. Ste A • 602-1973 Mobile’s favorite spot for breakfast & lunch. 4701 Airport Blvd. • 342-3243 JIMMY JOhN’S ($) Gourmet 1870 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 287-1168 306 Dauphin St. • 433-9009. ATLANTA BreAd cOMPANY ($-$$) Sandwiches, catering & delivery too. SOUTherN decAdeNce deSSerTS ($) ALABAMA crUISeS ($$) ed’S SeAFOOd Shed ($$) Sandwiches, salads & more. Fine dining & sailing Fried seafood served in hefty portions. 6920 Airport Blvd. • 414-5444 Soups, Salads, Desserts & Sandwiches. 3680 Dauphin St. • 380-0444 JOe cAIN cAFé ($) Orange Beach • 973-1244 3382 Hwy. 98 • 625-1947 1956 B University Blvd. BAY GOUrMeT ($$) cAFe 219 ($) Pizzas, sandwiches, cocktails. 300-8304 FeLIX’S FISh cAMP ($$) Salads, sandwiches & potato salad. A premier caterer & cooking classes. Upscale dining with a view. 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 STevIe’S kITcheN ($) 219 Conti St. • 438-5234 MAMA’S ($) Sandwiches, soups, salads & more. 1880-A Airport Blvd. • 450-9051 1420 Hwy. 98 • 626-6710 BISTrO eScOFFIe ($$) cAFe MALBIS ($) Slap your mama good home cooking. 41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite 150. FISherMAN’S LeGAcY ($) Contemporary fare & spirits. Fine dining French fare. Deli, market and catering. 220 Dauphin St. • 432-6262 TP crOckMIerS ($) 28396 Hwy. 181, Daphne • 661-6620 MArS hILL cAFe ($) American Restaurant & Bar 1714 Dauphin St. • 450-2030 4380 Halls Mill Rd. • 665-2266 cAMILLe’S SIdewALk cAFé ($) BrIQUeTTeS STeAkhOUSe ($-$$) hALF SheLL OYSTer hOUSe ($) Great sandwiches, coffee & more. 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 Gourmet wraps, pizzas, & more. The BLINd MULe ($) Grilled steaks, chicken & seafood. 3654 Airport Blvd. • 338-9350 1087 Downtowner Blvd. • 643-1611 5817 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0200 MArY’S SOUTherN cOOkING ($) Daily specials made from scratch. 720A Schillinger Rd. S. S2. 607-7200 JAck’S cATFISh cAMP ($$) cAMeLLIA cAFé ($-$$$) cAFé 615 ($$-$$$) Steak & Seafood 3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232 57 N. Claiborne St. • 694-6853. Contemporary southern fare. MIcheLI’S cAFe ($) The hOUSe ($-$$) American fare with local ingredients. 4815 Halls Mill Rd. • 661-4434 61 Section St., Fairhope • 928-4321 Seafood, sandwiches, salads & soups. 615 Dauphin St. • 432-8434. JOhN wOrd’S cAPTAIN TABLe ($$) 6358 Cottage Hill Rd. • 725-6917 cAFé rOYAL ($$-$$$) cAMMIe’S OLd dUTch ($) MIkO’S ITALIAN Ice ($) 4513 Old shell Rd. • 408-9622 Come wine, dine and dance. Mobile’s classic ice cream spot. The hUNGrY OwL ($) Prime steak & seafood in elegant setting. 2701 Battleship Pkwy • 433-3790 Hotdogs Sandwiches & Cool Treats 2511 Old Shell Rd. • 471-1710 3371 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 300–4015 Burgers, flatbread pizza & seafood. 101 N. Royal St. • 405-5251 LUcY B. GOOde ($$) cArPe dIeM ($) dUMBwAITer ($$-$$$) Gulf Coast cuisine, reinvented. MOMMA GOLdBerG’S deLI ($) 7899 Cottage Hill Rd. • 633-4479 Deli foods, pastries & specialty drinks. Sandwiches & Momma’s Love. The vILLAGe deLI ($) Serving local seafood & produce 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores 4072 Old Shell Rd. • 304-0448 3696 Airport Blvd. • 344-9500 312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope • 929-3354 167 Dauphin St. • 458-9573 967-5858 chAT-A-wAY cAFe ($) ISABeLLA’S ($$$) LULU’S ($$) 5602 Old Shell Rd. • 287-6556 Three GeOrGeS cANdY ShOP ($) Quiches & sandwiches. MONTeGO’S ($-$$) Light lunch with Southern flair. 305 DeLaMare Ave, Fairhope • 990-5513 Live music & great seafood. kITcheN ON GeOrGe ($-$$) 4366 Old Shell Rd. • 343-9889 Fresh Caribbean-style food & craft beer. 226 Dauphin St. • 433-6725 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores chIckeN SALAd chIck ($) Contemporary American food. 967-5858 6601 Airport Blvd. • 634-3445 TrOPIcAL SMOOThIe ($) Chicken Salad, Salad & Soup. MOSTLY MUFFINS ($) Great smoothies, wraps & sandwiches. 351A George & Savannah St. • 436-8890 MUdBUGS AT The LOOP ($) LeGAcY BAr & GrILL ($$$) 2370 S. Hillcrest Rd. Unit R • 660-0501 Muffins, coffee & wraps. Du Rhu Dr. • 378-5648 Cajun Kitchen & seafood market. American, Seafood,Stekhouse. dAUPhIN ST. cAFe ($) 105 Dauphin St. • 433-9855 570 Schillinger Road • 634-3454 2005 Government St. • 478-9897 Hot Lunch, daily menu (Inside Via) 9 Du Rhu Dr. S. • 341-3370 OrIGINAL OYSTer hOUSe ($-$$) Newk’S eXPreSS cAFe ($) UNcLe JIMMY’S deLIcIOUS hOTdOGS ($) 1717 Dauphin St. • 470-5231 Oven-baked sandwiches & more. 2550 Dauphin Island Pkwy South MAGhee’S GrILL ON The hILL ($-$$) A great place for kids & seafood. Great lunch & dinner. creAM & SUGAr ($) 252 Azalea Rd. • 341-3533 307-5328 3733 Hwy. 98 • 626-2188 Breakfast, lunch & Ice cream too. PANINI PeTe’S ($) wILd wING STATION ($) 3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700 OrLeANS PO-BOYS ($-$$) 351 George St. #B • 405-0003 MeLTING POT ($$$) Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. Original sandwich and bake shop. 1500 Government St. • 287-1526 d’ MIchAeL’S ($) 42 1/2 Section St., Fairhope • 929-0122 whISTLe STOP ($) 840 Montlimar Dr. • 341-7395 960 Schillinger Rd S. • 633-3900 Philly cheese steaks, gyros & more. NOJA ($$-$$$) OrLeANS cAFe ($-$$) 102 Dauphin St. • 405-0031 Home cookin’ & BBQ. 7101-A Theodore Dawes Rd. • 653-2979 110 S. Florida St. • 478-7427 Inventive & very fresh cuisine. Po-boys, gumbo, seafood & wings. PdQ ($) deLISh deSSerTS ($) Chicken fingers, salad & sandwiches. YAk The kAThMANdU kITcheN ($-$$) 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377 3721 Airport Blvd. • 380-1503 Great desserts & hot lunch. Authentic foods from Himalayan region. OSMAN’S reSTAUrANT ($$) OYSTer rOckeFeLLer ($$-$$$) 1165 University Blvd. • 202-0959 312 23 Upham St. • 473-6115 3210 Dauphin St. • 287-0115 Supreme European cuisine. Schillingers Rd. • 607-9527 400 Eastern Shore Center. • 459-286 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006

20 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 326 Azalea Rd. • 229-4206 Famous burgers, sandwiches & wings. Italian, catering, to-go. 777 Beach Blvd • 877-877-6256 MedITerrANeAN SANdwIch cOMPANY ($) 60 N. Florida St. • 450-0690. 312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope • 990-5535 hArd rOck cAFé AT hArd rOck Great & quick. cALLAGhAN’S IrISh SOcIAL cLUB ($) PINzONe’S ITALIAN vILLAGe ($$) hOTeL ANd cASINO ($) 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 Burgers & beer. 312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope • 990-5535 American fare & rockin’ memorabilia. 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725-0126 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374 rAveNITe ($) 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 6890 US-90 (Daphne) • 621-2271 herOeS SPOrTS BAr & GrILLe ($) Pizza, Pasta, Salad & more SATISFAcTION AT hArd rOck MINT hOOkAh BISTrO ($) Sandwiches & cold beer. 102 N. Section St. • 929-2525 hOTeL ANd cASINO ($) rOYAL ScAM ($$) Great Mediterranean food. 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376. rOMA cAFe ($-$$) Southern favorites & fresh-smoked meats. Gumbo, Angus beef & bar. 5951 Old Shell Rd. • 450-9191 Hillcrest & Old Shell Rd. • 341-9464 Pasta, salad and sandwiches. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-6256 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226) zOrBA The Greek ($-$$) MANcIS ($) 7143 Airport Blvd. • 341-7217 TIeN AT IP cASINO rUTh’S chrIS STeAk hOUSe ($$$) Shawarmah & baba ghanouj. 1715 Main St. • 375-0543 rOMANO’S MAcArONI GrILL ($$) reSOrT SPA ($-$$) Exceptional service & taste. 1222 Hillcrest Rd, Ste. D • 633-2202 McShArrY’S IrISh PUB ($) Springdale Mall Pan-Asian cuisine made in front of you. 271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516 Brillant Reubens & Fish-N-Chips. 3250 Airport Blvd. • 450-4556 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 SAGe reSTAUrANT ($$) 101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope • 990-5100 TAMArA’S BAr & GrILL ($) hIGhLIGhTS SPOrTS LOUNGe AT IP Inside the Mobile Marriott. far eastern fare MUG ShOTS ($$) Wings, po-boys, burgers. cASINO reSOrT SPA ($) 3101 Airport Blvd. • 476-6400 BAMBOO BISTrO ($$) Bar & Grill. 210 Eastern Shore Center, Hwy. 98 Brews & game on 65 screens. UNION ($$$) 3662 Airport Blvd. • 378-5466 6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514 929-0002 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 Premium steaks & burgers. BAMBOO FUSION ($$) OLd 27 GrILL ($) vIA eMILIA ($$) hIGh TIde cAFé AT IP cASINO 659 Dauphin St. • 432-0300 2400 Airport Blvd. • 307-5535 Burgers, dogs & 27 beers & wines. Homemade pastas & pizzas made reSOrT SPA ($) TAMArA’S dOwNTOwN ($$) BAMBOO STeAkhOUSe ($$) 19992 Hwy. 181 Old County Rd. daily. 5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342-3677 Casual & relaxing, extensive menu. Casual fine dining. Sushi Bar. Fairhope • 281-2663 850 Bayview Ave. • 888-946-2847 104 N. Section St., Fairhope • 929-2219 650 Cody Rd. S • 300-8383 The LANdING ($) Br PrIMe AT BeAU rIvAGe ($$-$$$) The BULL ($-$$) BANGkOk ThAI ($-$$) From seafood to steaks. olé mi amiGo! Fine dining establishment. N. Mexico/Santa Fe & Gulf Coast cuisine. Delicious, traditional Thai cuisine. 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 973-2696 cABO cOASTAL cANTINA ($) 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 609 Dauphin St. • 378-5091 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995 LUckY’S IrISh PUB ($) 225 Dauphin St. • 441-7685 JIA AT BeAU rIvAGe ($-$$) The TreLLIS rOOM ($$$) BANzAI JAPANeSe reSTAUrANT Irish pub fare & more. dAUPhIN ST. TAQUerIA ($) Exotic Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Contemporary Southern Cuisine ($$) Traditional sushi & lunch. 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000 Enchiladas, tacos, & authentic Korean & Vietnamese cuisine. Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077 The STAdIUM ($) fare. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-2453 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 zeA’S ($$) BeNJAS ($) Catch the games with great food. eL chArrO ($) MeMPhIS Q AT BeAU rIvAGe ($) Gourmet rotisserie. Prime rib & seafood. Thai & Sushi 19270 Hwy. 98 Fairhope • 990-0408 Finest Mexican in WeMo. Memphis-style Q. 4671 Airport Blvd. • 344-7414 5369 D Hwy 90 W • 661-5100 weMOS ($) 7751 Airport Blvd. • 607-0882 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 cUISINe OF INdIA ($$) Wings, tenders, hotdogs & sandwiches. FUeGO ($-$$) cOAST reSTAUrANT AT BeAU Lunch Buffet 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-5877 Outstanding Mexican cuisine. rIvAGe ($) a little Vino 3674 airport Blvd. • 341-6171 2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8621 Sports bar-style joint. dOMke MArkeT GOLdeN BOwL ($) LOS ArcOS ($) 875 Beach Blvd. • 888-952-2582 Wine, Beer, Gourmet foods, & more. Hibachi Grill & Asian Cuisine. mama mia! Quaint Mexican restaurant. LB’S STeAkhOUSe AT GrANd 720 Schillinger Rd. S. Unit 8 • 287-1851 309 Bell Air Blvd • 470-8033 BeNTz’S PIzzA PUB ($) 5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484 cASINO ($$-$$$) FAThOMS LOUNGe kAI JAPANeSe reSTAUrANT ($-$$) Homemade pizza and Italian dishes. LA cOcINA ($) Fine dining with steak & fine wine. A tapas reaturant, cocktails & live music 5045 Cottage Hill Rd. • 607-6454 28567 County Rd. 13 • 625-6992 Authentic Mexican cuisine. 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000 LIQUId ($$) BUck’S PIzzA ($$) 4633 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553 cUU LONG SUPer PhO AT GrANd POUr BABY Amazing sushi & assortment of rolls. Delivery. MArIA BONITA AGAve BAr & GrILL ($-$$) cASINO ($$) Wine bar, craft beers & bistro 661 Dauphin St. • 432-0109 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444 3977 Government Blvd. • 342-5553 Asian noodle soups, bubble teas & more. 6808 Airport Blvd. • 343-3555 MIkATO JAPANeSe STeAk hOUSe ($$) GAMBINO BrOTherS ($) SANTA Fe GrILL ($) 280 Beach Blvd. • 800-946-2946 FIrehOUSe wINe BAr & ShOP Upscale sushi & specialties. Homemade pastas & sandwiches. Locally-owned, fresh cuisine. eMerIL’S GULF cOAST FISh hOUSe 216 St Francis St. • 421-2022 364 Azalea Rd. • 343-6622 873 Hillcrest Ave. • 344-8115 3160 Bel Air Mall • 450-2440 AT ISLANd vIew cASINO ($$-$$$) red Or whITe rIce ASIAN GrILL & SUShI BAr ($) GAMBINO’S ITALIAN GrILL ($) TAQUerIA MeXIcO ($-$$) Kick it up a notch. 323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • 990-0003 3964 Gov’t Blvd. • 378-8083 Italian, Steaks & Seafood. Authentic Mexican flavor. 3300 W. Beach Blvd. • 877-774-8439 1104 Dauphin St.. • 478-9494 rOck N rOLL SUShI ($$) 18 Laurel Ave. Fairhope • 990-0995 3733 Airport Blvd. • 414-4496 c&G GrILLe AT ISLANd vIew cASINO ($) rOYAL STreeT TAverN 3299 Bel Air Mall. • 287-0445 GUIdO’S ($$) Large breakfast, lunch or dinner menu. Live music,martinis & dinner menu. TASTe OF ThAI ($$) Fresh cuisine nightly on menu. no GamblinG 3300 W. Beach Blvd. • 877-774-8439 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000 9091 US-90 Irvington • 957-1414 1709 Main St., Daphne • 626-6082 wAhOO’S POOLSIde BAr & GrILL SOUTherN NAPA wASABI SUShI ($$) LA rOSSO ($$) Casino fare AT PALAce cASINO reSOrT ($-$$) Bistro plates, craft beers and pantry. Japanese cusine. Comfort food. atmore Fresh seafood & more. 2304 Main Street. • 375-2800 3654 Airport Blvd. S. C • 725-6078 1716 Main St. Ste. C, Daphne • 281-2982 FIre AT wINd creek cASINO & 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 YeN reSTAUrANT ($) MeLLOw MUShrOOM ($) hOTeL ($$-$$$) MIGNON’S AT PALAce cASINO Authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Pies & awesome beer selection. Prime steaks, seafood & wine. reSOrT ($$-$$$) falafel? try 763 Holcombe Ave. • 478-5814 2032 Airport Blvd. • 471-4700 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 Extraordinary wine, steaks & seafood. Jubilee Shopping Center, 5660 Old Shell Rd. • 380-1500 GrILL AT wINd creek cASINO & 158 Howard Ave. • 800-725-2239 some hummus Daphne • 625-4695 NAvcO PIzzA ($$) hOTeL ($) The deN AT TreASUre BAY 7 SPIce ($-$$) Pizza,subs & pasta. Contemporary & old-fashioned favorites. cASINO ($-$$) Healthy, delicious Mediterranean food. 1368 1/2 Navco Rd..• 479-0066 303 Poarch Rd. • 866-946-3360 Intimate & casual with daily specials. 3762 Airport Blvd. • 725-1177 is the Game on? PIckLeFISh ($$) biloxi AShLANd MIdTOwN PUB ($-$$) 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 ABBA’S MedITerrANeAN cAFe ($-$$) Pizza, sandwiches & salads. vIBe AT hArd rOck hOTeL cQ AT TreASUre BAY cASINO ($$-$$$) Beef, lamb & seafood. Pizzas, pastas, & calzones. 5955 Old Shell Rd.• 344-9899 ANd cASINO ($-$$) Elegant atmosphere & tantalizing entrees. 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 340-6464 245-A Old Shell Rd. 479-3278 PAPA’S PLAce ($$) Fine surf, turf, atmosphere & cigars. BUFFALO wILd wINGS ($) 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 JerUSALeM cAFe ($-$$) A Taste of Italy . BYOB. 777 Beach Blvd. • 877-877-625 BLU AT TreASUre BAY cASINO ($) Mobile’s oldest Middle Eastern cuisine. Best wings & sporting events. 28691 U.S. Highway 98 • 626-1999 rUTh’S chrIS STeAk hOUSe AT Lounge with cocktails & tapas menu. 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955 5773 Airport Blvd. • 304-1155 PINzONe’S ITALIAN dOwNTOwN ($$) hArd rOck hOTeL & cASINO ($$$) 1980 Beach Blvd. • 800-747-2839 kAN zAMAN cAFe ($) BUTch cASSIdY’S ($) Exceptional servie & taste.

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 21 CUISINEWORD OF MOUTH C celebrate ‘Fat Brewsday’ with Fairhope Brewing BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | [email protected]

airhope Brewing Co.’s brews are now available in bottles! eries such as the aforementioned Fairhope Brewing Co., but some Join the brewery in celebrating this milestone on Saturday, of the laws in Alabama make Mississippi look like Milwaukee. July 18, in the taproom for its second annual Mardi Gras in Hopefully we’ll see changes soon that can pave the way for July. Truly, Fat Tuesday is too big to come only once a year, Alabama breweries to achieve the kind of success Lazy Magnolia Fso the creative folks there have labeled this event Fat Brewsday. of Kiln, Mississippi, is enjoying, along with the many other bottles The event will begin with a pet adoption at 2 p.m., with crit- and cans brewed by our neighbors to the west. ters provided by the Baldwin County Humane Society (BCHS). I personally can’t identify why you may not purchase a quart There’s no time like the present to take home that fluffy feline of beer in Alabama. You can buy a 24-ounce beer, but not a 32- or droopy-eared dog. These guys need homes, and beer drinkers or 40-ounce beer. You’re not allowed something that equals less shouldn’t drink alone. Let BCHS make the adoption process easy than three beers, and therefore must either purchase a single beer for you as you find your perfect match. or a six pack. It seems like such an odd thing to ban. Our college Fat Brewsday will also see the release of Lil Poison Ale. As students must go out of state or bootleg to play a friendly game of Grayson Capps preaches in song, we should all “drink a little poi- Edward Fortyhands. son” before we die. Now is our chance. But the brews do not stop there. Fifteen specialty beers will be available, with wild flavors Everything is coming up peachy involving moon pie and the delicious King Cake stout. These My favorite fruit, favorite snow cone flavor, favorite home- are far cries from the popular Everyday Ale and Fairhope 51 that made ice cream, lip gloss and Jolly Rancher flavor is peach. Right make their rounds in every craft beer bar worth its salt in our area. now is the time to go peach crazy as the fruits are as sweet as At this event we get to see these guys stretch their legs a bit. they’re going to get. If it’s Mardi Gras, you can’t live on beer alone. One must have The Chilton County peach fest has come and gone with the Photo/ Fairhope Brewing Co. food to keep the good times rolling, and street food is the way to end of June, and although those things are beautiful you don’t go. Fairhope’s popular Bean and Bistro will be on hand serving Music, pet adoptions and beer are reasons to celebrate have to be from Chilton County to be a peach of a peach. Road- up this type of fare, so bring an appetite. Mardi Gras in July at the Fairhope Brewing co. Saturday. side stands, farmer’s markets and even run-of-the-mill grocery What would Mardi Gras be without live music? The Bay City stores are stocking some amazing peaches right now. My kids are Brass Band will get your heart pumping the way only they know going crazy for them. how at 4 p.m. At 7 p.m., Fat Man Squeeze will take the Taproom Public hearing for booze rules The Alabama Alcohol Beverage Study Commission will hold a Do yourself a favor and make yourself a peach cobbler with stage for some raucous acoustic music and a couple albums’ public hearing Thursday, July 16, at Government Plaza beginning homemade ice cream on top. I don’t care how hot it is outside. A worth of new tunes. It sounds like this is shaping up to be the at 2:30 p.m. It will be the first of three scheduled hearings statewide cobbler with fresh peaches is one of life’s treasures. Celebrate the party of the summer. and the only in South Alabama. peach. Recycle the pit. Admission to the event is a modest $5. This comes with a This will be a chance for the public to hear and discuss proposed commemorative Mardi Gras in July glass, so I don’t want to hear changes to the oft-restrictive Alabama alcohol laws, and more Wine dinner rescheduled any complaints. The Fairhope Brewing Co. Taproom is located at specifically how the changes could affect craft beer in our state. We According to Chef John Weichman, Friday’s scheduled wine 914 Nichols Ave. We shall see you at the show, and as they say have seen a little bit of relaxation and legislation that loosens the dinner at Bistro Escoffier will have to be rescheduled due to a fam- over there, “Laissez le BREW temps rouler!” collar, so to speak, on the bottling of beer and the opening of brew- ily emergency. We’ll provide more information as it is available.

22 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 23 COVERSTORY BP settlement may limit restoration and recovery ambitions BY JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER | [email protected]

ince Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and Attorney Gen- ments, BP told its shareholders on July 2 it would pay up to $1 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in eral Luther Strange held a joint news conference July 2 billion to resolve claims made by more than 400 local govern- “Bucket 4” for long-term monitoring of the recovery efforts and announcing a “historic” settlement with BP for the 2010 ment entities. More details and ongoing coverage is available on implemented projects. Deepwater Horizon oil spill, questions have arisen regard- lagniappemobile.com. Finally, “Bucket 5” allocates two and half percent of the trust Sing exactly how much money the state will receive to fund the and one-third of the interest it generates to a “Center for Excel- environmental and economic recovery projects proposed under the reSTore Act funding lence” that will administer grant funds for research on the Gulf RESTORE Act. Answers vary. Passed by Congress in 2012, the Resources and Ecosystems Coast region focusing on science and technology. The Center for Bentley claimed a total settlement of $2.3 billion, which he Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of Excellence will also monitor Gulf fisheries, deltaic sustainability explained is a combination of Alabama’s portion of federal Clean the Gulf Coast States (RESTORE) Act was intended to provide the and restoration, offshore energy development, sustainable econom- Water Act fines, plus a $1 billion separate financial settlement of a areas directly affected by the oil spill the ability to determine how ic growth and comprehensive observation and mapping. civil suit filed on behalf of the state. civil penalties assessed under the Clean Water Act would be spent. As this article is published, the state recovery council has not Though Bentley suggested the remaining $1.3 billion would be The law mandates that 80 percent of those penalties be diverted officially named a Center for Excellence, but Dauphin Island Sea steered toward the RESTORE Act, his numbers did not match a into the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund (GCRTF), which is Lab almost certainly will be selected. According to AGCRC Vice breakdown released by Strange the next day. A strict confidentially divided into five funding streams or “buckets.” Chairman Jimmy Lyons, director of the Alabama State Port Author- agreement included in the settlement has kept a majority of the BP’s total civil settlement for all affected states was $18.7 bil- ity, the council originally offered Sea Lab the contract but was re- details under wraps and may have contributed to the contradictory lion, which included $5.5 billion in fines under the CWA. Those minded by the U.S. Treasury that the process must be competitive. interpretations. fines are distributed into the RESTORE Act. The June 30 deadline for proposals passed with Sea Lab the only According to Strange’s breakdown, the Alabama Gulf Coast applicant. The proposal is currently being reviewed, but no formal Recovery Council (AGCRC), which will administer the state’s RE- decision has been made by the council. STORE Act funds with a focus on Mobile and Baldwin counties, Speaking to Lagniappe, Lyons said Sea Lab was a “natural will only have $599 million to allocate toward an estimated $1.59 choice” as Alabama’s Center for Excellence. billion worth of projects currently proposed. “They do a heck of a job, and have quite an impact in this state Jennifer Ardis, a spokesperson with Bentley’s office, said the on marine science,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have such an discrepancy is due to the governor including funding that has organization in this state to … take that two-and-a-half percent and already been provided through the Natural Resource Damage As- be able to do a lot of good with it.” sessment (NRDA) and a previous settlement with Transocean Ltd., So far, 187 projects have been submitted to the state council a second party to the spill. for funding through the RESTORE Act and NRDA via an online However, Orange Beach Mayor and AGCRC member Tony portal administered by the Alabama Department of Conservation of Kennon expressed concern that there will only be around $300 mil- Natural Resources. lion available for economic development projects. He, like others The state recovery council, chaired by the Governor and co- on the council and around the state, feel the council was short- chaired by the director of the Alabama State Port Authority, also changed by the settlement. comprises the chairman of the Baldwin County Commission, the “I’m very disappointed in the amount of recovery money we The chart above shows how those funds break down into the five president of the Mobile County Commission and the mayors of are getting,” Kennon told Lagniappe. “It is about one-fourth of funding streams. Prior to the BP settlement, Transocean Ltd. was Bayou La Batre, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Gulf Shores, Mobile what we anticipated. We also still don’t really know or understand fined $1 billion under the CWA, which put $800 million into the and Orange Beach. They are charged with weeding through the exactly what the settlement was. We have still not heard specifics trust. submitted proposals to select projects meeting the criteria specified from the Governor’s staff about what exactly happened.” For Alabama, that meant $56 million went into the “direct com- for each bucket of funding, but some members are already suggest- Despite all the speculation, state officials still aren’t able to ponent” or “Bucket 1.” Based on a previous decision by the local ing the settlement’s limited funding and 15-year payment plan will assign an exact amount to what will move through the RESTORE council, those funds will focus exclusively on economic develop- make the process all the more difficult. Act because the U.S. Department of the Treasury has yet to iron out ment projects. However, with BP’s settlement, the direct compo- the details of its five separate funding streams. Also, the AGCRC, nent is scheduled to receive an additional $308 million, giving the Alabama’s deficit and Bp which held its inaugural meeting in September 2012, has yet to set AGCRC roughly $364 million to spend on economic development With a special legislative session that began Monday, July 13, its own rules and regulations. and environmental projects. to address the state’s general fund deficit and Gov. Bentley fight- “Part of the funds flowing through RESTORE are allocated The state council will also have oversight of an additional $269 ing members of his own party for a $500 million tax increase, the based upon a formula whose calculation the requisite parties have million for environmental restoration in “Bucket 3” — the Spill Im- settlement’s $1 billion cash infusion over the next two decades was yet to finally agree upon,” Ardis said. pact Component — that is allocated based on a formula determined a welcome development for some state lawmakers. However, other But with the first payments from BP expected one year after a in RESTORE Act legislation based on factors including “distance officials were disappointed to see the state’s individual lawsuit consent decree is approved, the funds many thought were decades from the well” and “miles of oiled shoreline.” against BP settled in tandem with penalties under the Clean Water away could be arriving sooner rather than later. In “Bucket 2,” another $1.32 billion will be allocated by the Act and NRDA. In addition to the settlements with the five Gulf States, local federal Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council for projects U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne of Fairhope is among those criticizing municipalities are apparently settling their own litigation. At press throughout each of the five Gulf states. States will have to compete the settlement for “taking money from a coastal disaster” to fix a time, the city of Fairhope and Mobile County were both scheduled for funding in Bucket 2, but each governor has a seat on the council “manmade disaster” in Montgomery. to accept and announce individual settlements on July 15. alongside officials from several federal agencies. “My concerns have not eased, and if anything, they’ve gotten Though gag orders were in place pending official announce- Additionally, BP’s settlement allocated around $110 million to worse,” Byrne told Lagniappe. “The settlement was not as large

24 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 as we were told, and $1 billion goes directly With a projected $600 million to work with, to state government where the legislature in the AGCRC will have to make some tough Montgomery will spend it as they see fit. choices regarding environmental restoration and They’ve directed $1 billion away from the coast economic development, while also finding an to help deal with funding problems at the state equitable balance for projects benefitting both level which have nothing to do with the oil Mobile and Baldwin counties. spill.” Last October, a total of 94 projects proposed Byrne also took issue with the confidential- had a cumulative cost of $611 million, an ity provision agreed to by Bentley and Strange, amount already exceeding what the state council suggesting it was contrary to typical practices of will ever see from BP’s settlement. Today, the U.S. Department of Justice. there are more than $1.59 billion in cumulative Based on its own policy, the Justice Depart- project proposals, meaning the state council can ment says that “in any civil matter in which the fund about 40 percent of them. Department is representing the interests of the While projects can be proposed by any indi- United States or its agencies, it will not enter vidual or organization, almost every representa- into final settlement agreements or consent tive on the state council has submitted proposals decrees that are subject to confidentiality provi- of their own. Because the council has yet to sions, nor will it seek or concur in the sealing of finalize its own rules and regulations, there is no such documents.” policy regulating potential conflicts of interest. However, “there may be rare circumstances Though the AGCRC is essentially a steward that warrant an exception to this general rule.” of public funds, it is not subject to same rules “The Justice Department, the Attorney as other public governing bodies — including General’s office, the Governor’s office — these open meetings laws. In fact, the council called are public entities, and there’s no reason at a closed meeting on Wednesday, July 15. At a all why they should agree to confidentiality,” previous closed meeting in December 2014, Byrne said. “This is something they willingly the council agreed to utilize $56 million from agreed to; it was not forced by a court. This was a settlement with Transocean exclusively for a multi-party settlement and anybody in that unspecified economic development projects. group could have walked away at any time.” Already some environmentalists have During his announcement of the settlement, expressed concerns about how BP settlement Bentley emphasized the annual payments from funds will be allocated once the AGCRC begins the state’s settlement would account for just to select projects. The political makeup of 12.5 percent of the current budget deficit. How- the council is one of several reasons Mobile ever, both chairmen of the state’s budget com- Baykeeper, an environmental nonprofit, lobbied mittee have already discussed plans to introduce for a “citizens’ advisory committee” to work legislation to allocate at least the first part of the alongside the council. BP settlement toward the budget deficit. According to Executive Director Casi Cal- The $1 billion Bentley secured will be dis- laway, several groups supported the idea of a tributed into the state’s general fund incremen- citizens’ advisory committee, but ultimately tally over the next 18 years, but there is already the council voted against it. According to a list talk of using it to reimburse the $582 million of frequently asked questions on the AGCRC lawmakers have siphoned from the Alabama website, a citizens’ committee “could potentially Trust Fund since 2010 to balance the budget. prevent and/or artificially limit the range of indi- Though a timeline hasn’t been released, viduals or groups from the community who can Bentley has said more recently that Alabama provide input.” But the council ensures “there would receive $200 million in the first three will be multiple steps throughout the process years after a consent decree is approved. BP has where the public will have an opportunity to also released statements to its investors reflect- participate and provide comments.” ing those claims. Meanwhile, there is no way When asked if she had confidence in the to compare the settlement to the state’s actual council to select meaningful environmental losses in tourism and tax revenue following projects over a wishlist of unfunded economic the oil spill because the state doesn’t want BP development, Callaway said she has confidence to have that information until the settlement is in her organization. finalized. “What I have confidence in, is that I’m going “We cannot disclose what we would have to work every minute of every day to make sure presented as evidence [at trial],” Ardis said. “To they do it right,” Callaway said. “If you think do so would put us at a severe disadvantage you’re going to spend this money hurting the should the settlement not be finalized and should environment, you’ll be dealing with me and we have to try our case against BP.” all of the people in this town that get it — the environment is our economy.” Project allocations

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 25 ARTARTIFICE Second book in Mardi Gras trilogy peels back the masks BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

uthor and historian Ann Pond’s second book in her grew more exclusionary, with costumes ordered trilogy on Gulf Coast Mardi Gras landed in the Artifice from Paris and members who took themselves far email recently. Its relatively short length relative to the more seriously. first work — roughly 66 pages apart from footnotes — New Orleans still held generally rowdier and madeA it a quick read, but that’s no indictment of its story. more-inclusive affairs. Another difference was the If anything, Pond has revealed a history far more baroque longtime popularity of New Orleans’ mixed-race than the shortened version so widely disseminated in these balls, whereas Mobile passed city codes banning parts. Interwoven with so much of the cultural landscape and blacks from events. our nation’s knack for reinvention, she has given us a tale As the Cowbellion de Rakins grew more refined quintessentially American. through the 1840s, New Orleans’ events lost luster. The first book established the Gulf Coast backdrop in the Daytime costumers ebbed and the pranking of colonial and early American era, along with the emerging young boys became worse, with weapons being prosperity of Mobile and the birth of the city’s New Year’s thrown amidst the traditional powdered sugar and Eve celebrations at the hands of Michael Krafft and friends. It flour. In 1848 the Picayune wrote “few respectable also showed New Orleans’ own Fat Tuesday masking tradition persons now dare to show themselves in the streets, documented as far back as 1730. and mob law has triumphed.” The evening’s balls, This work, “Masons and Mardi Gras,” briefly touches on however, retained hearty endorsement. those times then ventures headlong into titular matters. Pond In 1852, one last attempt at a daytime New Or- maintains such fraternal organizations imbued the Cowbellion leans parade was a shambles. The author credits two de Rakins and subsequent groups with uniquely mysterious men — cotton broker Joseph Ellison and merchant elements. Samuel Manning Todd — with a solution. Freemasonry was an important component of colonial Amer- Both New Orleanians had dealings and connec- ica. Brought from Europe, it was “redefined and standardized” tions in Mobile, with Todd having once held public in the mid-1700s by American intellectual and political leaders. office here. They solicited advice from Cowbellion Its strong presence was evidenced throughout the philosophies de Rakins and members of similar Mobile groups and arguments of our Founding Fathers and George Washing- and from that grew the Mystick Krewe of Comus, ton even sported Masonic attire at his inauguration. New Orleans’ first Mardi Gras parading society Mobile’s first Freemasons lodge was founded in 1813. Its built on the Mobile New Year’s template. Grand Warden even happened to hold the office of mayor at the As that came to fruition, war brewed between time the Cowbellion de Rakins were organized. North and South. Before long, both cities were Freemasons used mystique to their advantage. They draped ravaged and their separate days of frivolity ceased. their doings in ritual and secrecy, a fanciful adaptation which In 1864, the Mobile Advertiser and Register noted quickly migrated to the New Year’s Eve groups. there were no New Year’s events. One of the Freemasons’ few public efforts were parades, Photo/ ann-j-pond.squarespace.com “The Civil War might have caused an irrevocable which waned not long before the New Year’s groups launched break with the past in Mobile, as it did in many their efforts. Ironically, the last procession of the last lodge of According to the author, “Masons and Mardi Gras” examines the other American cities, had it not been for the rich- an order dedicated to “the refinement of virtue” marched past a private and public lives of the men behind the masks, the reason ness, the quality and the depth of the ritual experi- slave market and public slave whipping post on their way down for all the secrecy, and the rumors that link Mardi Gras in New ence among Mobile’s elite,” Pond wrote. “There Royal Street. Orleans to the start of the Civil War. remained in Mobile an undeniable continuity with Pond quoted New Orleans Picayune notes of Crescent City the past exhibited in its continued conservatism parades in 1837, but on Fat Tuesday. They were a shadow of form of tableaus and themed parades and in the masquerade toward all social and economic aspects of life. Such the pomp and circumstance seen in Mobile streets on New balls popular in New Orleans on Fat Tuesday. a conservative response was well grounded in the functions of Year’s at the time. An interesting footnote is that John Wilkes Booth’s father the antebellum fraternal order … The continuity of ceremonial The author noted Mobile’s Krafft could have been in New visited Mobile for a stage performance in 1838, not three years ritual was synonymous with Old South values.” Orleans in 1837 but the term “cowbellion” used in said article after he wrote a letter to President Andrew Jackson threatening Her extensive footnoting and documentation give this his- was a general term for a rambunctious gathering. It emerged to cut the chief executive’s throat with a knife over a pair of tory heft uncommon to urban mythology and folklore. The ar- in New Orleans newspaper accounts long before Mobilians’ captive pirates Booth wished free. Talk about foreshadowing. rival of the third book and the tale of Fat Tuesday’s renaissance impact. The tone of Mobile’s festivities also changed over those first is eagerly anticipated on this end. Another influence in the 1830s and ‘40s was the emergence decades. When the New Year’s groups began at the spark of For more on this book and its companions, go to ann-j- of live theater on the Gulf Coast. Theatricality grew in both Mobile’s biggest-ever boom, observers found all levels of soci- pond.squarespace.com. Kindle and electronic versions may cities’ Freemasonry, in Mobile’s New Year’s festivities in the ety gleefully merging in the soirees. Within 20 years, the events also be purchased.

26 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 27 ARTART GALLERY Award-winning whodunit at Theatre 98 in Fairhope BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR | [email protected]

Photo/ facebook.com/theatre98 The cast of Ken Ludwig’s “The Game’s Afoot” participates in a read-through of the script at Theatre 98 in May. The play opens July 23.

ctor William Gillette has built his Supermileage Competition sponsored by the fame playing master detective Sher- Society of Automotive Engineers. What they lock Holmes and invites fellow cast arrived at is a one-passenger ride employing a members to his Connecticut castle for single-cylinder, four-cycle engine. Aa holiday get-together on Christmas Eve of Now their extra-efficient vehicle will roll 1936. When one guest is stabbed to death, the into Mobile’s premier science center when frivolity ends and mystery ensues in the house the super vehicle is put on display at the Gulf filled with tricks and mirrors. The star resorts Coast Exploreum (65 Government St.) July to assuming the personality of his most famous 18-26 role to try and solve the crime. The Supermileage competition is aimed at Witty and fast-paced, Ken Ludwig’s helping students develop practical engineering “The Game’s Afoot” plays both suspense and problem-solving skills that will help ensure and laughter to its fullest at Theatre 98 (350 success in their given fields. Morphy Ave., Fairhope). The eight-person Exploreum hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 cast is just the right size for a whodunit, and a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. this play — which premiered in 2011 and won and Sunday, noon until 5 p.m. an Edgar Allan Poe Award for best play — is For more information, call 251-208-6893 or a worthy vehicle. visit exploreum.com. The play runs July 23-Aug. 2. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday curtain is at 8 Call for regional artists p.m.; Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. The Birmingham Museum of Art, in part- Tickets are $18, $12 for students. Advance nership with REV Birmingham and the city tickets are available at theatre98.org. of Birmingham, has issued a call for artists in the Southeast to submit proposals for the More Mary Poppins, different first of a city-wide wayfinding project. The stage project is funded by a National Endowment If you didn’t get your chance to indulge for the Arts grant and aims to connect cultural in everyone’s favorite musically inclined, districts, historic landmarks and businesses in magical British nanny earlier this summer, Birmingham. there’s another chance at hand. Based on P.L. The project has two phases. In the first, a Travers’ book, this children’s favorite was single preliminary artist will be selected to transformed into a Disney movie a half-centu- develop a concept and prototype for a large- ry ago and the exploits have remained popular scale Artistic Gateway Sculpture, anticipated despite the lagging authenticity of Dick Van to be one of several gateway elements mark- Dyke’s cockney accent. ing the entrance to downtown Birmingham. This newest version runs July 23-Aug. 16 There will also be a comprehensive Artistic at Playhouse in the Park (4851 Museum Drive, Wayfinding System for downtown including Mobile). The first two weekends are Thursday, vehicular directional signs, pedestrian signs, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at kiosks and banners. 2:30 p.m. The last two weekends are Friday and The phase-one prototype will inform Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. creative direction and fundraising efforts for It has been produced with permission of Mu- phase two, in which a subsequent call for ad- sic Theater International New York, New York. ditional artists will be made and implementa- Tickets are $15, $12 for students and tion carried out. seniors. Call 251-602-0630 for reservations or The application process is open to all art- visit playhouseinthepark.org for more info. ists over the age of 18 living and working in the Southeast region; an artist stipend will be Super vehicle visits Exploreum provided. A group of aspiring engineering students Complete details and the application can from the University of South Alabama recently be found on the Birmingham Museum of Art’s pooled their efforts for competition in the 36th website, artsbma.org/callforartists. The dead- line for proposals is July 31.

28 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 29 MUSICFEATURE Tyler the Creator’s odd past, bright future BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

Band: Tyler the Creator with special guest Taco Date: Saturday, July 18 with doors at 9 p.m. Venue: Soul Kitchen, 219 Dauphin St., www.soulkitchenmobile.com Tickets: $15-$30 (front and center for $55), available at Soul Kitchen, its website or by calling 1-866-468-7630 or every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Tyler the Creator (born Tyler Okonma) is one reaction to the stagnation of hip-hop in recent years. As both a solo artist and a founding member of the Odd Future collec- Ftive, Tyler the Creator is unrestrained. Controversial lyrics and otherworldly beats have earned him both respect and disdain in the industry. But in spite of harsh criticism at times, he continues to expand his audience with apparent ease. In a recent interview with Lagniappe, Tyler the Creator opened up, discussing the various facets of his musical career as well as his latest release, “Cherry Bomb.”

Stephen Centanni: There are a lot of things I admire about you. One of the things is that you’re hardcore DIY for a hip-hop artist. A lot of DIY hip-hop artists limit themselves to recording on Photo/facebook.com/tylerthecreatorofficial their own and putting out albums or mixtapes. You were writing, Rapper, artist and producer Tyler the Creator has taken a hands-on approach to managing and distributing his producing and recording as well as doing graphic design for both your albums and your merch. Why do you think more up-and- music. He’ll appear at Soul Kitchen with Taco this Saturday. coming hip-hop artists aren’t going all out with DIY? and everything, but he talks about raping pregnant women and changes would you like to see in modern hip-hop? Tyler the Creator: Sh*t, I don’t know. Not everyone does stuff. I just don’t know.” But they still love you. What’s your reac- Tyler: I mean, man, I personally don’t care what they do, everything. It’s not that weird. Some people are good at rapping, tion to people who say things like that? man. I’m just gonna do my thing, man. I don’t even pay attention and some are good at making beats. I just had my hand in every- Tyler: I don’t know. I guess I’m that guy people love to hate. enough to really know what’s going on in this world. I’m not as thing. I have a clear vision of what I want, and I’d rather do it I guess I’m interesting enough that they watch whatever I put out aware as I could be, but whatever. I focus on what I’m into and myself. I was able to do it myself. Not everyone has that [ability]. or like to look at it, just so they can say something about me that what I like. Yeah, I just keep it going. I can’t build my car when someone else can do it. You know what they don’t like, which is kind of cool. Deep down inside there Centanni: This is your first album without Odd Future col- I mean? must be something that keeps them coming back. So, I guess I’m laborations. What was it like working without them? Centanni: A lot of people focus on your lyrics, but one thing I doing something right. Tyler: I view every album like a scene from a movie or a and other people have talked about is your beats. “Tamale” is one Centanni: You’ve earned a lot of respect in the hip-hop scene. painting. If a certain color isn’t needed to make it perfect or if a song that comes to mind. I’ve never heard anyone lay out rhymes On your latest album, “Cherry Bomb,” you’ve got guest spots certain actor isn’t needed in a scene, don’t put it just to put. We’re so neatly on a beat like that. Where do those beats come from? Do from Kanye West, Lil Wayne and even Charlie Wilson from The going to make more music and sh*t, but for this particular album, you start with a beat in your head? Gap Band. When you think back to the early days of your career, my boys weren’t really needed for this one. I personally picked Tyler: I’m a fan of music first. I think a big difference between like the “Goblin” [debut album] days, how does it feel to feature every person that I collaborated with on specific songs. My boys me and other rappers is that I’m a fan of music and not just rap. big names like that on your album? weren’t really needed this time around. You have a lot of people who like hip-hop, and that’s all they care Tyler: It’s crazy, you know? I’m fans of everyone that I work Centanni: You’ll be making your Mobile debut at the Soul about. Me, I like every aspect of music, whether it’s dancing or with. There was a time when I hated Kanye and Wayne. I was a Kitchen, and you’re bringing along Odd Future member Taco. playing the drums or playing the guitar or punk music. I like ev- fan of them, but I was annoyed by them. It’s crazy that all those You mentioned your interest in punk. I’ve only seen videos of erything. When I’m making music, I’m not making rap music. I’m artists that I grew up listening to respect me enough to even speak your live shows, and they have the rowdy vibe of a punk show. just making music. I just so happen to rap, so I decided to put raps to me. So, to even work with them on my project on what specifi- For those who have never witnessed a Tyler the Creator live show, over these things. Even the way that I structure my instrumentals cally I want them on is amazing, and I’m grateful. It still shocks how would you describe it? and things, that comes from the different soul and funk music that me, and it makes me happy. Tyler: I mean, I don’t know. It’s free. It’s just free there. It’s I love. So, I guess that’s what makes me stand out. Centanni: One thing that the critics are saying about “Cherry some cool guy on stage. There’s nothing rehearsed. It’s just being Centanni: One thing I’ve noticed about some of your fans is Bomb” is that you have these hardcore critiques about the modern free. We jump around and have no cares in the world. I just feel that they have this love/hate thing with you. It’s almost the same hip-hop scene. To me, you’ve done that since the beginning. What like it’s free there, and you don’t care about anything. You can be conversation every time. People will be like, “Yeah, Tyler’s cool 100 percent who you are for that hour and a half.

30 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 Ready for ‘revelry’ BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

Band: Humming House, Andrew Combs Date: Thursday, July 23 at 7 p.m. Venue: Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, 916 Charleston St., www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com Tickets: $20 at the door

allaghan’s is bringing another huge night of music to its intimate space on Thurs- day, July 23. Andrew Combs will open the evening’s lineup. Hailing from further north on I-65 in Nashville, Combs is proving that the Music City’s trademark genre is still evolving. CThe singer-songwriter has been promoting his sophomore album, “All These Dreams,” and has mastered the art of storytelling with a soulful sound and profound lyrics. Some say he’s picked up where Jim Croce left off. His set should be a perfect warm-up for the evening’s headliner. Humming House will round out the night. Another product of Nashville, the group prides itself on a pristine acoustic sound, best experienced in a live setting. With flawless instru- mentals, one of the most appealing aspects is expert mingling of male and female harmonies, producing a unique brand of modern Americana that easily shifts into the traditional. Last March, Humming House released its second album, “Revelries.” While it includes a few slow ballads, the album is appropriately titled for its overall upbeat vibe. Throughout, the band mixes jazz, blues, folk, country and bluegrass. It’s a night that will definitely have the entire house (and sidewalk) on its feet and dancing. Photo/ facebook.com/humminghousemusic

Prison blues and barbecue Campo Santo finito

Band: Scotch Hollow Band: Campo Santo Concert Series presents Eric Erdman Date: Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m. Date: Thursday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m. Venue: Moe’s Original BBQ, 701 Spring Hill Ave., Venue: Cathedral Square www.moesoriginalbbq.com Tickets: Free Tickets: Free he Downtown Mobile Alliance and City of Mobile Special Events are bringing the first series of Campo Santo Concerts to an end. For the past two months, these two cotch Hollow has an interesting history. The band formed at the Berklee College of Music in organizations have collaborated to bring both music and business to Downtown Boston, Massachusetts, after guitarist Mark Verbeck and vocalist Carley Martin bonded over Mobile with a free concert each Thursday featuring local artists. For the sixth and their love of traditional roots music, ranging from traditional country to blues. Tfinal installment, locally beloved singer-songwriter Eric Erdman will be performing a set of The band took an unusual turn in 2008, when it changed its name to Bandit Runner and his original music. Sdelved into funk-rock. But when Verbeck developed an extreme case of tendinitis, the duo’s music ca- Erdman truly takes pride in his hometown and his music reflects this love. Throughout his reer came to an abrupt halt. Verbeck continued to write songs using his iPad. His friend Albert Dingus career, he has woven snapshots of life in the Azalea City into memorable songs. “Not Slowing helped add instrumentation to these songs, and Scotch Hollow was revived as a trio. Down” is his latest release. This album was funded through a highly successful Kickstarter The band’s latest album, “Raging Bull in a Chicken Wire Pen,” sets its tone with “Burn Cruise,” an campaign that opened the doors of Nuthouse Studios in Muscle Shoals to him. He filled the acoustic blues track forged in the hot fields of Parchman Farm — the Mississippi State Penitentiary. album with a number of guest artists who added their instruments and vocals to the mix. The tracks that follow show Scotch Hollow’s passion for old-school blues with elegiac lyrics and Cathedral Square on a summer afternoon will be the perfect setting for experiencing Erdman’s plenty of acoustic slide work. homegrown music.

Photo/ facebook.com/scotchhollow Photo/ facebook.com/EricErdmanMusic

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 31 AREA MUSIC LISTINGS JULY 16 - JULY 22

Hangout— Jamie Bergeron, 7p// Foxy 4p Gambino, 11a THUR. JULY 16 Iguanas, 11p Hangout— Jamie Bergeron, 7p// Party Tropics— Al & Cathy Baumhower’s (OBA)— Destiny Brown Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Animal, 11p Saenger— Easy Rider Beau Rivage— Yaye, 7p Supercharger Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Soul Kitchen— KALEO, 6:30p BLUEGILL— Redfield Duo IP Casino— Dick Fox’s Golden Boys, 8p Supercharger Veets— Redhouse, 8p Blues Tavern— 61/49, 8:30p Legacy— Tim Kinsey, 7:30p Legacy— Eric Erdman, 7:30p Callaghan’s— Joe Cat Listening Room— Robin Visel Listening Room— Neil Dover Captain’s Table— Jerry Squires, 7p Live Bait— Arizona, 8p Live Bait— Arizona, 8p MON. JULY 20 Felix’s— Grits N Pieces Lulu’s— Cool Rayz, 6p Lulu’s— Shiny Objects, 6p Beau Rivage— Yaye, 7p Flora Bama— Brittany Grimes, 2p//Frankie Main Street Cigar Lounge— Glass Joe, Main Street Cigar Lounge— Rock Felix’s— Bryant Gilley Golden, 5:30p/// Dave and Joe Show, 6p//// 8p Bottom, 8p Flora Bama— Brittany Grimes, 2p// Mark Sherrill, John Joiner, Mel Knapp and McSharry’s— DJ Chi, 10p Manci’s— Rondale and the Kit Katz Zachery Diedrich, 5:30p/// Cathy Pace, 6p//// special guest, 6p//// Rebecca Barry & Justin Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Scotch Hollow, McSharry’s— DJ Twiggans, 10p Hung Jury, 10p Fobes, 6p//// Rowdy Johnson Band, 10p//// Al 6:30p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Mitch Johnson, Hangout— Category 4, 7p// Rhythm & Cathy, 10p//// Jason Sturgeon Band, 10:30p Moe’s BBQ (Daphne)— Soulshine, 8p 6:30p Intervention, 11p Hangout— Mojiles, 7p// Mario Mena Band, O’Daly’s— Gene Murrell, Tony Edwards and Old 27 Grill— FUN Events, 6:30p Lucky’s Irish Pub— Marcus 11p David White, 10p Pirates Cove— Hurricane Warning, 6p Lulu’s— Brent Burns, 6p Hard Rock (Center Bar)— The Flying Old 27 Grill— Corey Rezner, 6:30p Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — Chris Steinway Brothers Ravenite— Shifting Tracks, 10p Bryant, 11a The House— Ross Newell Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — Melissa Traders— JoAnna Scott Berlage and her TUE. JULY 21 Legacy— Ryan Balthrop, 7:30p Joiner Duo, 6p merry band, 8:30p Beau Rivage— Yaye, 7p Live Bait— Arizona, 8p Traders— Velvet Monkey, 8:30p Tropics— Vertigo Haze BLUEGILL— Mobile Big Band Society Lucky’s Irish Pub— Shifting Tracks, 8p Tropics— Rodger Fleshman Soul Kitchen— Tyler, The Creator with Butch Cassidy’s— Jerry Powell Lulu’s— Wes Loper, 6p Soul Kitchen— Col. Bruce Hampton & the special guest Taco, 9p Captain’s Table— Jerry Squires, 6p McSharry’s— Kyle and Karl, 7:30p Madrid Express, 9p Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Felix’s— Hannah Wallace Old 27 Grill— Songwriters Night, 6:30p Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Windmill Market— Rye Baby, 11a Flora Bama— T. Bone Montgomery, 5:30p// Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — Mac Windmill Market— Theodore Arthur Jr. Perdido Brothers, 6p/// Rebecca Barry & Walter, 6p Duo, 11a// Sugarcane Jane, 7p Derek Jones, 10:15p Traders— The String Slingers, 7:30p SUN. JULY 19 Hangout— Jay Williams, 7p// Dino Brawl, Sun Set Fest at the Wharf— Modern Beau Rivage— Yaye, 3p//7p 11p Eldorados SAT. JULY 18 Bimini Bob’s— Destiny Brown Lulu’s— Grits N Pieces, 6p Veets— Stan Foster & Phil Proctor, 8p Baumhower’s (OBA)— Strictly Isbell BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard, 11a// Redfield, Moe’s BBQ (Mobile)— Emily Stuckey, 6p Beau Rivage— Yaye, 3p//7p 6p Bill’s by the Beach— Lisa Zanghi, 6:30p Blues Tavern— Warren Wolf Trio, 5p FRI. JULY 17 Bimini Bob’s— Charlie Wilson Callaghan’s— Kristen Diable WED. JULY 22 Baumhower’s (OBA)— Double Dee BLUEGILL— Lee Yankie and the Hellz Yeah, Captain’s Table— Jerry Squires, 11a Beau Rivage— Yaye, 7p Beau Rivage— Yaye, 7p 6p Felix’s— Jimmy Lumpkin Bimini Bob’s— Al and Katy Bill’s by the Beach— Damien Lamb Duo, Blues Tavern— Mud Bucket, 9p Flora Bama— Jezebel’s Chill’n, 5:30p// BLUEGILL— Ross Newell 6:30p Callaghan’s— Josh Ewing and Blake Nolte Beachbillys, 12:30p/// Dave and Joe Show, Blues Tavern— Band Audition Night Bimini Bob’s— Ronnie Presley Captain’s Table— Jerry Squires, 7p 1p//// Johnny Barbato, 2p//// Foxy Iguanas, Bucky’s Birdcage (Grand Hotel)— Blind Mule— Black Titan and Funeral Cockeyed Charlie’s— DJ Chill, 10p 6p//// Perdido Brothers, 6p//// Lee Yankie and Adam Holt Piano Show, 8p Horse, 10p Dauphin Street Blues Company— Hellz Yeah, 10p//// Justin Jeansonne, 10:15p Callaghan’s— Deluxe Trio BLUEGILL— Dale Drinkard, 11a// Peek, 6p Shifting Tracks, 10p The Grand Mariner— Bruce Smelley, 3p Captain’s Table— Jerry Squires, 6p Blues Tavern— Jeff Jenson Band, 9p Fairhope Brewery— Bay City Brass Band, Hangout— Jason Able Project, 7p// The Cockeyed Charlie’s— Ryan Balthrop, 10p Captain’s Table— Jerry Squires, 7p 4p// Fat Man Squeeze, 7p Perry Wall, 11p Felix’s — Brandon and John Cockeyed Charlie’s— Ben and Friends, Felix’s— Soulshine Hard Rock (Center Bar)— Brent and Flora Bama— Neil Dover, 2p// Ryan 10p Flora Bama— J. Hawkins, 1p// LeaAnne Steve Unplugged Conner, 2p/// Zachery Diedrich & the Bama Felix’s— Matt & Sherry Creswell, John Joiner, Darrel Roberts, 1:30p/// Legacy— Rebecca Barry and John Cochran, Bayou Boys, 10p Flora Bama— Destiny Brown, 1p// Downtown Larry Brown & Larry Strickland 11a// Rumor Mill, 7p Hangout— Mario Mena Band, 7p LeaAnne Creswell, John Joiner, Darrel w/Jezebel’s, 2p//// Jack Robertson Show, Lulu’s— Shiny Objects, 6p Legacy— Lee Yankie, 7:30p Roberts, 2p/// Jack Robertson Show, 5:30p//// 5:30p//// Lucky Dogs, 6p//// Smokin’ Elvis, Manci’s— Modern Eldorados Lulu’s— Molly Thomas and the Rare Birds, Beachbillys Unplugged, 6p//// Big Muddy, 6p//// 6p//// Foxy Iguanas, 10p//// Logan Spicer, McSharry’s— Trad Irish Music, 6:30p 6p J. Hawkins Trio, 6p//// Rowdy Johnson Band, 10:15p//// Jason Sturgeon Band, 10p Pinzones— Ross Newell Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores) — Nigel, 6p 10p//// Lee Yankie, Derek Jones, Blake Nolte, The Grand Mariner— Ryan Dyer Band, Tacky Jacks (Orange Beach) — Jonsey Veets— Grits N Pieces, 8p 10p//// Jason Sturgeon Band, 10:30p

AREA MUSIC LISTINGS SEND YOUR MUSIC LISTINGS TO [email protected]

32 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 AREA CLUb LISTINGS [DOWNTOWN] Skyview Lounge 28850 US Hwy 98| 626-7662 www.pinkponypub.net 6120 Marina Dr. S. Atop the Lafayette Plaza Plow [Fairhope] 137 East Gulf Pl. | 978-6371 443-7318 Alchemy Tavern 301 Gov’t St.| 694-0100 96 Plantation Pointe| 410-7569 Pirate’s Cove [Elberta] Tin Top alchemy.joltpro.com Soul Kitchen Courtyard 311 www.piratescoveriffraff.com 7 S. Joachin St. | 441-7741 6232 Bon Secour Hwy. County www.soulkitchenmobile.com 311 Fairhope Ave. | 928-2032 6600 County Rd. 95| 987-1224 The Blind Mule Rd. 10 | 251-949-5086 219 Dauphin St. |433-5958 [Fairhope] Tacky Jacks 57 N. Claiborne St. | 694-6853 Ravenite Pizzeria Touch Down Tavern Spot of Tea’s Jaggers 102 N. Section St. | 929-2525 www.tackyjacks.com Boo Radley’s 5460 Inn Rd | 662-7543 310 Dauphin St. | 375-6772 Rosie’s Grill and Record Bar [Orange Beach] www.booradleysmobile.com VFW Post 7320 Studio 5’4 [Daphne] 27206 Safe Harbor Dr, |981-4144 276 Dauphin St. | 432-1996 [Saraland] 216 Dauphin St. | 725-0406 www.rosiesgrill.com [Gulf Shores] The Bar T.P. Crockmiers 249 E. 24th Ave.| 948-8881 244 Old Telegraph Rd. |679-1188 352 St. Francis St. | 648-1596 1203 U.S. 98|626-2440 250 Dauphin St. | 476-1890 [Fairhope] [Gulf Shores] Whiskey Blues [Theodore] The Brickyard Windmill Market The Listening Room 1577 Alabama 180|968-8341 5791 Swedetown Rd.|633-1769 266 Dauphin St. | 473-4739 www.windmillmarket.org 78 St. Francis St.| 367-4599 85 N. Bancroft St. | 517-5444 The Handlebar [Pensacola] Buck’s Pizza Zebra Lounge http://thelisteningroommobile.com www.handlebarpensacola.com www.buckspizza.com 2343 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Veet’s 319 N. Tarragona St.| 434-9060 350 Dauphin St. | 431-9444 [WESTMObILE] 473-2997 www.veetsbarandgrill.com The Wharf [Orange Beach] Callaghan’s Irish Social Club All Sports Bar & Grill 66 S. Royal St.| 694-3090 4985 Wharf Pkwy.| 224-1000 www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com 3408 Pleasant Valley Rd. [CASINOS] 345-9338 916 Charleston St. | 433-9374 Beau Rivage [Biloxi] [MIDTOWN] Billiards Club [AROUND AND AbOUT] Dauphin St. Blues Company www.beaurivage.com Ashland Midtown Pub 4130 Gov’t Blvd.|447-2132 The Old Bama Barn [Theodore] & Draft Picks www.ashlandmidtownpub.com 11470-B Bellingrath Rd.|973-0388 878 Beach Blvd.|228-386-7111 564 Dauphin St. | 725-6429 Cockeyed Charlies 2453 Old Shell Rd.| 479-3278 6920 Airport Blvd.|725-1112 Blue Gill Restaurant or 888-595-2534 Firehouse Wine Bar Shop Blues Tavern www.bluegillrestaurant.com Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 216 St. Francis St. | 421-2022 Crooked Martini www.bluestavern.com www.thecrookedmartini.com 3775 Battleship Pkwy. |625-1998 [Biloxi] Gabriel’s Downtown Bottoms Up 55 S. Joachim St. | 432-4900 2818 Gov’t Blvd. |479-7621 7639 Cottage Hill Rd. #C |633-5555 www.hardrockbiloxi.com 2605 Halls Mill Rd. | 287-7781 The Garage Butch Cassidy’s Cafe Flashback Club 777 Beach Blvd. 10071 Airport Blvd.| 634-2239 Briar Patch 9 S. Washington Ave. | 433-2223 www.butchcassidys.com |228-374-ROCK (7625) 9371 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Hayley’s Downtown 60 N. Florida St. |450-0690 Jag’s Sports Bar & Grill 973-1120 Harrah’s Hotel & Casino 278 Dauphin St. | 433-4970 Kimberly’s Midtown Bar 5602 Old Shell Rd.| 725-1102 Celtic Irish Pub [Pascagoula] [New Orleans] Joe Cain Café 2660 Old Shell Rd. |478-1477 Lucky Irish Pub & Grill 4901 Chicot St. | 228-938-6800 www.harrahsneworleans.com 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 Mellow Mushroom 3692 Airport Blvd.| 414-3000 Ed’s Seafood Shed 228 Poydras St.|504-533-6000 Liquid www.mellowmushroom.com Mellow Mushroom www.edsshed.com Grand Casino [Biloxi] 661 Dauphin St. | 432-0109 2032 Airport Blvd. |471-4700 www.mellowmushroom.com 5660 Old Shell Rd. | 380-1500 3382 Battleship Pkwy. | 625-1947 www.grandcasinobiloxi.com Loda Bier Garten Rear Pocket Felix’s Fish Camp 251 Dauphin St. | 287-6871 2525 Emogene St. |476-0053 Patches 280 Beach Blvd. 5100 Girby Rd.| 661-8028 www.felixsfishcamp.com Mobile Civic Center Royal Knight Restaurant 228-436-2946 Satori Coffee House 1530 Battleship Pkwy. |626-6710 www.mobilecivicctr.com 3004 Gov’t Blvd. |287-1220 IP Casino Resort & Spa www.satori-coffee.com Midnight Rodeo 401 Civic Center Dr. | 208-7261 Silver Horse Pub [Biloxi] 5460 Old Shell Rd. | 344-4575 7790 Tanner Rd. |639-2222 Moe’s Original BBQ 151 S. Florida St. |478-7030 www.ipbiloxi.com Runway Billards Mississippi Coast Coliseum www.moesoriginalbbq.com Whistle Stop Bar & Grill 8000 Airport Blvd. | 634-8006 [Biloxi] 850 Bayview Ave. 701 Spring Hill Ave|410-7427 110 S. Florida St.|478-7427 The Hungry Owl www.mscoastcoliseum.com 800-436-3000 O’Daly’s Irish Pub 7899 Cottage Hill | 633-4479 2350 Beach Blvd. |228-594-3700 Wind Creek Casino 564 Dauphin St.|725-6429 [EASTERN SHORE] Stir Mobile The End Zone Sports Bar www.windcreekcasino.com OK Bicycle Shop Bay House Pub [Daphne] [Mt. Vernon] 19170 Hwy 43. 5821 Old Shell Rd., Ste. D | 342-9995 303 Poarch Rd., Atmore 661 Dauphin St. |432-2453 28850 Bayline Dr. | 626-0158 VFW Post 49 829-9227 Pat’s Downtown Grill 866-946-3360 Club 44 [Daphne] 2528 Govt Blvd. | 471-9438 The Oar House [Dauphin Island] 271 Dauphin St. | 438-9585 28850 US 98, #100 | 445-8069 1504 Bienville Blvd.| 861-4800 AREA CLU b Riverview Plaza [NEW ORLEANS] Gumbo Shack [THE bEACH] Original Oyster House (Fathoms Lounge) House of Blues www.guysgumbo.com Flora-Bama www.theoysterhouse.com 64 S. Water St.| 438-4000 www.houseofblues.com 212 Fairhope Ave. | 928-4100 www.florabama.com 3733 Battleship Pkwy. |626-2188 Royal Scam Manci’s Antique Club [Daphne] 17401 Perdido Key Dr., Pelican Pub & Restaurant 225 Decatur St . |504-310-4999 www.royalscammobile.com www.mancisantiqueclub.com 850-492-0611 [Dauphin Island] Howlin’ Wolf 72 S. Royal St.|432-SCAM (7226) 1715 Main St. | 375-0543 The Hangout 1102 DeSoto Ave.| 861-7180 www.thehowlinwolf.com/new- Royal Street Tavern McSharry’s [Fairhope] www.thehangoutal.com Pelican Reef Restaurant orleans 26 N. Royal St. | 338-2000 101 Gulf Ct. | 948-3030 LISTINGS www.mcsharrys.com 11799 Dauphin Island Pkwy. 907 S. Peters St. Saenger Theatre Live Bait 101N Brancroft St. |990-5100 | 973-2670 504-522-WOLF (9653) www.mobilesaenger.com www.livebaitrestaurant.com Moe’s Original BBQ [Daphne] Trader’s 6 S. Joachim St. |208-5600 24281 Perdido Beach Blvd. Louisiana Superdome www.moesoriginalbbq.com 4015 Battleship Pkwy Saddle Up Saloon 974-1612 www.superdome.com 6423 Bayfront Pk Dr.|625-7427 626-5630 www.saddleupmobile.com Lulu’s at Homeport Marina 1500 Poydras St. |504-587-366 Old 27 Grill [Fairhope] The Grand Mariner 9 N Jackson St. 285-4596 www.lulubuffett.com Tipitina’s 19992 Hwy 181 | 281-2663 6036 Rock Point Rd. Serda’s Coffee Company 200 E. 25th Ave. 501 Napoleon Ave. www.serdas.com Papa’s Pizza [Daphne] 251-967-LULU 443-5700 504-895-TIPS (8477) 3 S. Royal St. | 415-3000 www.papaspizza.com Pink Pony Pub [Gulf Shores] The River Shack July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 33 MUSICRUNDOWN The boxmasters and Justin Townes Earle return BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR | [email protected]

wo local venues recently made he still maintains his love for Callaghan’s some very big show announce- and his fans in the Azalea City. Earle will ments. First, Soul Kitchen entertain the OGD audience with tracks from announced the return of The his latest release, “Absent Fathers.” This TBoxmasters to its stage on Sunday, Aug. 16. 10-track album is considered a companion This band features actor/musician Billy Bob to his last release, “Single Mothers.” Tickets Thornton and a rotating lineup of seasoned are on sale now at Callaghan’s. Only 50 will musicians. While Thornton is best known for be available per show, and they are already his work on screen, his Boxmasters project going fast. has proven that he has a deep passion for making music as well. When the Boxmasters ‘Mardi Gras in July’ made their Azalea City debut, their “Mod- Many in the Mobile Bay area lament that billy” rock and electrifying stage presence Mardi Gras comes but once a year. In 2014 earned them a legion of local fans. the creative minds at Fairhope Brewing The Boxmasters will bring a batch of Company created “Mardi Gras in July,” a new material, courtesy of their latest album mid-year celebration to help tide over enthu- “Somewhere Down the Road.” According siasts until the actual holiday rolls around, to the band’s website, this two-disc release and they’re doing it again in 2015. “is an accumulation of all of the life stories, “Mardi Gras in July” will begin at 2 all of the musical influences and all of The p.m. on Saturday, July 18, at the brewery Boxmasters’ history together — delivered in in Fairhope. The event will include the their signature Modbilly sound.” Tickets are brewery’s usual extensive lineup of brews, on sale now at Soul Kitchen, their website, featuring Lil Poison Brown Ale (inspired by both Mellow Mushroom locations and by a Grayson Capps song) and King Cake Stout. calling 1-866-468-7630. The Bay City Brass Band will take center Justin Townes Earle will return to Cal- stage and roll a wave of festive Mardi Gras laghan’s Irish Social Club for a two-night sounds across the crowd, followed by head- run Sept. 2-3. This modern country trou- liners Fat Man Squeeze, which has become badour has been making regular appear- one of the area’s favorite musical acts. With ances at Callaghan’s since the release of his songs that feature off-beat lyrics and furious Photo/ facebook.com/TheOfficialBoxmasters sophomore effort, “The Good Life.” Even picking, the trio’s set should amplify this though his career has reached epic status, Mardi Gras celebration to the extreme. billy bob Thornton and The boxmasters return to Soul Kitchen Aug. 16.

34 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 35 FILMTHE REEL WORLD Pixar turns emotions ‘Inside Out’ BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC | [email protected]

recall a conversation I had with a friend up, Sadness touches the memories. The film ul- when the Pixar film “Up” first came out. He timately shows us that this is not a catastrophe, dismissed it with a sigh, saying, “It’s just but just part of growing up. another tasteful, quality Pixar film.” I think The move creates Riley’s most serious crisis II understand what he meant: As the Pixar films to date, and Joy kicks her attempts to control grow in sophistication, concept and renown, into overdrive. In a desperate effort to squelch are they overshooting in their mission to instill Sadness, the two emotions both get accidentally quality in children’s entertainment, by lacking in swept from the control room into the depths of pure, essential fun? Are they just too good, and Riley’s subconscious. Here, some truly stunning therefore kinda boring? If “Minions” is cotton and memorable sequences take place. candy, is “Inside Out” kale? I particularly loved the perilous journey My 9-year-old daughter and I saw “Inside through abstract thought, when the characters Out” together and our experience mirrored that pass through stages of abstraction until they are of every other parent I’ve talked to who saw it, simply straight lines. Whether you find this clev- which is that my kid liked it, but I loved it. She er or too clever is up to you, but you really have giggled; I wept. While blue-haired characters to read Richard Brody’s take on this film for The romp through a gingerbread land in the world New Yorker (June 25 issue) for a compelling of a child’s imagination, I was suspended in and decidedly anti-Pixar position. For starters, anticipation of the sadness creeping in. he bemoans the lack of several key emotions in And actually, beautifully, that is what the film Photo/ Pixar the girl’s brain, notably a “BS Detector.” is about — sadness as an emotion to be embraced I found “Inside Out” soulful and profound, rather than avoided. In the central conceit, we Amy Poehler as Joy and Phyllis Smith as and it gave my daughter and me a lot to talk and observe the colorful emotions personified — Joy, Sadness take a transformative journey think about together. But at the end of the day, it Sadness, Disgust, Fear and Anger — controlling through an 11-year-old’s emotions. wasn’t a Pixar masterpiece; maybe it was more the mind of 11-year-old Riley, a happy, well- like an after-school special about growing up, adjusted child who has an emotional meltdown mer, and tries to gently steer her out of the pic- with extremely high production values and a when her family moves from Minnesota to San ture whenever possible. Remembered emotions great cast. “Inside Out” was creative, insightful, Francisco. Their moving van gets lost, her father are stored as clear orbs (kind of like in “Minor- beautiful and moving, but it was not hilarious; faces major stress, but Riley’s parents praise her ity Report”) and a few core memories form the indeed, it might have benefited from a few fart for remaining their happy little girl. As always, bedrock of Riley’s personality and values, like jokes, because it did fall victim somewhat to its Joy is primarily in control. times spent with friends, family, playing hockey own impeccable taste. I’ll never love it like I do Joy (Amy Poehler) thinks Sadness is a bum- and being silly. But as she moves on and grows “Toy Story,” and certainly my kids won’t. NEW IN THEATERS NOW PLAYING

Photo/ FOX Searchlight | “Me, Earl and the Dying Girl” ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL TED 2 Regal Mobile Stadium 18, Car- All listed multiplex theaters. Photo/ Marvel Studios | “Ant-Man” mike Jubilee Square 12, Cobb INSIDE OUT TRAINWRECK Pinnacle 14 All listed multiplex theaters. ANT-MAN Judd Apatow is renowned for his THE GALLOWS JURASSIC WORLD With the ability to shrink in size raunchy bromances, but he also All listed multiplex theaters. All listed multiplex theaters. but grow in strength, a con man produces the female-centric MINIONS SPY (Paul Rudd) must help his men- HBO comedy “Girls,” and now All listed multiplex theaters. All listed multiplex theaters. tor (Michael Douglas) protect teams up with comedian Amy SELF/LESS FAITH OF OUR FATHERS the secret of his Ant-Man suit Schumer for a comedy about a All listed multiplex theaters. Carmike Wynnsong and pull off a heist that will save promiscuous writer who finally MAGIC MIKE XXL INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 the world. All listed multiplex falls for someone. Crescent All listed multiplex theaters. All listed multiplex theaters. theaters. Theater, Regal Mobile Stadium TERMINATOR GENISYS SAN ANDREAS 18, Eastern Shore Premier Cin- All listed multiplex theaters. All listed multiplex theaters. ema, Carmike Wharf 15. MAX AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON All listed multiplex theaters. Regal Mobile Stadium 18

Carmike Cinema’s hollywood stadium 18 Carmike Cinemas eastern shore Premiere Wynnsong 16 1250 Satchel Paige Dr. 23151 Wharf Ln. Cinema 14 785 Schillinger Rd. S. (251) 473-9655 Orange beach (251) 981-4444 30500 Alabama 181 #500 (251) 639-7373 Spanish Fort, Al rave motion PiCture Cobb theatres PinnaCle 14 (251) 626-0352 CresCent theater Jubilee square 12 3780 Gulf Shores Pkwy Gulf 208 Dauphin Street 6898 U.S. 90 Daphne, Shores Information accurate at press time; please

area theaters (251) 438-2005 (251) 626- 6266 (251) 968-7444 call theaters for showtimes.

36 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS

1. Traipse (about) 4. General-purpose transport 8. Oceanic flora 12. Wee hour 13. Brute of folklore 14. Fertilizer chemical 15. Change locks? 16. Reach new heights? 17. Cartoon expletive 18. Emulated a model 20. Oater bunch 21. Ablutionary vessel 23. Goes public 25. Trip the light fantas- tic 27. Directly 28. Understand 31. Spoon for eaters? 33. Astronomical study 35. Curtain call time 36. Assam export DOWN 24. Kind of a nut? 38. Dutch specialty 26. Poly follower 39. Sphere 1. Jupiter or Mars 28. Rubber boots 41. Classroom drilling 2. Random choice 29. Off-ramp 42. Buttinsky 3. Dug out, perhaps 30. Blood donor datum 45. Book composition 4. Nudges, as memories 32. House call? 47. Istanbul currency 5. Everglades wader 34. Fly, at times 48. Peacock’s pride 6. Like many shorelines 37. Woolly mammal 49. Activity center 7. Nave bench 39. Strike back, say 52. “Gandhi” or 8. Word of praise 40. Reservoir conduits “Cleopatra” 9. Acts humanly? 42. Roman commoner 53. Bad marks for teens? 10. Bucolic expanses 43. Not green 54. It may need stroking 11. Head or spread 44. Blue flag, for one 55. Award-category 19. Bicolor cetacean 46. Club’s emotion? word 20. Trousers feature 48. Filing facilitator 56. Army installation 21. Business advantage 50. Disgusted mutter 57. Retiring partner? 22. Issue a caveat 51. Tarzan’s movie son Answers on PAge 44

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 37 C O E ‘MURDER AT MISS KITTY’S CAT HOUSE’ MYSTERY DINNER WHERE: MOBILE CARNIVAL MUSEUM, 355 GOVERNMENT ST. WHEN: JULY 17, 7 P.M.

Murder at Miss Kitty’s Cat House! Join the Mobile Mystery Dinners for their next performance at Mobile Carnival Museum, 355 Government St. Advance reservations are required; call 251-865-7398. Tickets are $59 and include dinner and unlimited wine. The fun begins at 7 p.m. Photo/courtesy of Mobile Carnival Museum

July 16 enjoy a colorful fashion show, you can call 251-208-1550. paintings, drawings, sculptures and, most NAACP Mobile Education Forum contribute to 15 nonprofit organizations. importantly, photographs and writings. The Mobile County NAACP will facilitate There will also be live music, appetizers Market on the Hill The exhibition is organized by the History the first in a series of community from local restaurants and a photo An outdoor market of locally grown Museum of Mobile, 111 S. Royal St. On discussions on Alabama’s new charter booth. This event is presented by Exalte produce, seafood and soaps is being view until Sept. 1. Admission is free. school law and its potential impact on Magazine, a Mobile-based online fashion held at Lavretta Park (Old Shell Road and issues such as school re-segregation, and philanthropy publication. Visit www. Parkway Street West) every Thursday Hatching the Past: The Great Dinosaur poverty, low- and high-achieving exaltemagazine.com/Colors-of-Fashion-. through July 30. The Market on the Egg Hunt students, the right to public education html for more information. Hill runs from 3 to 6 p.m. For more “Hatching the Past” features 100 real and more. The first community discussion information, please call 251-208-1550. dinosaur eggs and 100 replica eggs | JULY 16, 2015 - JULY 22, 2015 16, 2015 - JULY EVENTS | JULY is set for Thursday, July 16, at Vigor High Mobile Open House at The Exploreum. The multimedia School Auditorium from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 Join Mayor Sandy Stimpson and other Thursdays at the Museum experience for all ages invites visitors

OF p.m. Academic professionals and experts city officials for the Map for Mobile Open Every Thursday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., to touch real dinosaur bones and will share data and their perspectives House at the Alabama Cruise Terminal. the Mobile Museum of Art offers free reconstructed nests, dig for eggs, on Mobile Public Schools in general and This family-friendly event will feature fun admission to all visitors. Join MMoA each experience hands-on exploration stations how the new law can impact local public activities, food and entertainment. There week to experience the museum in new and view animated video presentations education. For more information call 251- will be a brief overview of the plan’s status and exciting ways throughout the year. No featuring well-known dinosaur experts. 725-0779. and next steps at 5:30 p.m., but citizens reservations are necessary. MMoA is at The Exploreum, 65 Government St., is are encouraged to drop in anytime 4850 Museum Drive. open daily. For more information visit Alcohol Beverage Study Commission between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. to review www.exploreum.com. ALENDAR The Alabama Alcohol Beverage Study the draft plan recommendations and talk July 17 C Commission will hold a public hearing to one-on-one with city staff and planning Stand Against MS July 18 receive public comment on the state’s consultants. Map for Mobile is the city’s Stand Against Multiple Sclerosis allows 82nd annual Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo alcoholic beverage law. Commissioners first comprehensive plan to be developed families, companies and civic groups to The 82nd Alabama Deep Sea Fishing are seeking input related to the current in more than 20 years. This intense, eight- raise money for those living with multiple Rodeo (ADSFR) will be held July 17-29, three-tier system and licensing, with month process to develop a long-range sclerosis by setting up lemonade stands with the weigh station operating from 10 the aim of providing recommendations plan will build upon other recent planning in their communities. We provide all the a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, for making the Alabama Code more endeavors for the city and the region. The necessary ingredients for a successful and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday consistent and fairer for Alabama’s plan will serve as a guide for long-term stand including cookies donated by Bud’s on Dauphin Island. The ADSFR is a alcohol industry. The hearing will convene preservation, revitalization and growth Best Cookies and lemonade provided three-day Captain’s Choice tournament at 2:30 p.m. at the Mobile City Council so the city can achieve the goals and by Buffalo Rock, signage, T-shirts and a and a Southern Kingfish Association Auditorium, ground floor of Government aspirations of its citizens. money jar! Sign up for your stand today (SKA) sanctioned event. The total award Plaza. For more information, visit the by visiting www.nationalMSsociety.org/alc package is valued at up to $1 million in Alabama Law Institute at ali.state.al.us. Mobile BayBears or by calling 205-879-8546. cash and prizes, anchored by boat, motor The Mobile BayBears versus the Jackson and trailer packages. The event features “Go Set a Watchman” live reading Generals at Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Mobile Mystery Dinner 30 categories with prizes awarded The Next Chapter brings storytellers, Bolling Brothers Blvd. College Night and Murder at Miss Kitty’s Cat House! Join for first, second and third place in all community leaders and nationally Thirsty Thursday. Opening pitch at 7:05 the Mobile Mystery Dinners for their next categories. One Master Angler prize also acclaimed authors together for live p.m. Tickets available online at www.milb. performance at Mobile Carnival Museum, will be awarded, along with cash prizes readings and entertaining reflections com/tickets. 355 Government St. Advance reservations for king mackerel, speckled trout and big on the themes in Harper Lee’s books are required; call 251-865-7398. Tickets game jackpots. and what those themes mean for the Campo Santo Summer Concert Series are $59 and include dinner and unlimited next generation of Alabamians. Popular Finale wine. The fun begins at 7 p.m. Dauphin Street Vault authors Tom Franklin and Beth Ann Come enjoy music by Mobile favorite Eric The Dauphin Street Vault brings vaulters Fennelly will be featured, so arrive early Erdman in Cathedral Square from 5 to Mobile BayBears of all levels to compete in the Port City. to meet them and purchase your copy of 7 p.m. This will mark the end of the free The Mobile BayBears versus the Jackson A full day of high-flying fun on Dauphin “Go Set A Watchman.” Cash and credit concert series, which has been sponsored Generals at Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Street between Jackson and Joachim cards accepted. The event starts at 4:30 by the Downtown Mobile Alliance, the city Bolling Brothers Blvd. Friday-night streets! The fun starts at 10 a.m. The p.m. at the Ben May Main Library (701 of Mobile Office of Special Events and fireworks. Opening pitch at 7:05 p.m. elite division, featuring Olympic-caliber Government St.). For more information Blue Moon Brewing. Tickets available online at www.milb.com/ vaulters, will begin around sunset. For and to register for the event, visit www. tickets. more information about DSV 2015, visit alabamamediagroup.com/watchman. Kids’ Day in Bienville the website at www.dauphinstreetvault. Bring the kids to Bienville Square from 10 Ark of India com or check Facebook and Twitter. Colors of Fashion a.m. until 1 p.m. today for summertime “Ark of India: An Alabama Artist Explores The Colors of Fashion party will be held fun and enjoy live entertainment, arts and Southern Asia” is an exhibit about Mobile author coming home at the The Temple Downtown from 6:30 crafts, and visits with representatives of personal discovery and exploration. Former WPMI reporter and local boy Chris p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (351 St. Francis St.). the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile It’s an account of late 19th and early Hatch signs copies of his action novel, Not only can you get a cool calendar and Police and Fire-Rescue departments and 20th century India as seen by Alabama “Hurricane Ron,” as a special guest of the much more! If you have questions, please artist Roderick D. MacKenzie, using his Summer Library Program, Saturday, July

SEND YOUR EVENTS TO [email protected]

38 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Mobile Museum admission is free. technological skills with adults and of Art (4850 Museum Drive). Centered in seniors who are unfamiliar with basic fictional Pelican, Alabama, the novel is Mensa testing laptop computer technology. The free rich with Southern flavors, familiar places South Coast Mensa will conduct program is available Monday through and irreverent touches you hold dear. admissions testing in Mobile on Saturday, Friday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 18301 July 18, at 10 a.m. During July, we are Pennsylvania St., Robertsdale. An North Mobile County Food Park and offering a 50 percent discount off our appointment is required; call the library at Farmer’s Market regular testing rate; the test will cost $20. 251-970-4010. Join us in downtown Prichard for a market Members of the media, upon presentation full of food trucks, local produce, meats, of appropriate credentials, can test for artists, crafts and music. The market will free. For further information, contact take place the first and third Saturdays [email protected]. of every month starting July 18 from 7 a.m. -1 p.m. at 204 S. Wilson Ave. in Mobile BayBears Prichard. For more information, visit The Mobile BayBears versus the Jackson www.nomocofoodie.org. For help with Generals at Hank Aaron Stadium, additional questions, contact Jonathan 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd. RAM Truck Adams at 352-217-780 or JonDAdams@ showtime. Opening pitch at 7:05 p.m. gmail.com. Tickets available online at www.milb.com/ tickets. Mardi Gras in July Fairhope Brewing Co. (914 Nichols Greenleaf Writer’s Group Ave.) will host the second annual Mardi The Greenleaf Writer’s Group is currently Photo/Courtesy of The stand against ms Gras in July. Join us for the Bay Area’s welcoming new members. We meet only mid-year Carnival celebration in every third Saturday of the month at the Open studio traditional Mardi Gras style with the usual Semmes library from 10 a.m. until noon. Come enjoy complimentary mimosas brewery buffoonery twist. The event If you are an aspiring writer, come join us. as artists work at the Cathedral Square will include the re-release of Lil Poison For more information call 251-490-5199. Gallery, 612 Dauphin St. Works by more 22, 2015 16, 2015 - JULY EVENTS | JULY Ale, the brewery’s popular Mardi Gras than 60 area artists also will be on display. recipe, and more than 15 specialty beers Market on the Square For more information call 251-694-0278. brewed just for the occasion, including Shop for the freshest crops every OF Moon Pie and King Cake! Fairhope’s Saturday through July 25 at Cathedral July 20 popular restaurant Bean and Bistro will Square in downtown Mobile. This time Ballroom Dance offer traditional Mardi Gras street food, of year is our favorite because you can The Moonlight Chasse Ballroom and the Baldwin County Humane Society buy locally grown tomatoes, potatoes, Dance Society hosts dance classes Photo/courtesy of Bellingrath will be on hand from 2-4 p.m. offering sweet corn, cantaloupes, watermelons, with professional instructors at 7 p.m., pet adoption opportunities. The Bay City plants and flowers as well as seafood, followed by dancing from 7:30 to 10 p.m. July 22 Brass Band will round out the afternoon baked goods, pastas, casseroles, pies, Admission is $10. There will be a cash bar Kids Gulf Discovery Day ALENDAR with classic Carnival tunes, followed by handcrafted goods and much more. Stay and no need to bring a partner. Beginners Plan a day of summertime fun for the C Fat Man Squeeze at 7 p.m. Entry fee is $5 for live music on the green. For more are welcome. Fitzpen Place, 11247 State family at Bellingrath Gardens. Home for and includes a commemorative glass. For information, call 251-208-1550. Highway 31, Spanish Fort. For more Kids Gulf Discovery Day is an opportunity more information, contact Marissa at 251- information, email Cassie Fishbein at for children of all ages to learn about 367-4900. July 19 [email protected]. the wildlife and ecology of the Gulf Saenger Movie Series: “Easy Rider” Coast. Visitors will have a chance to see Shadows and Secrets This summer, Mobile Saenger Theatre Top Cats Toastmasters fascinating birds of prey up close during Join SJM Tours on the third Saturday showcases a Summer Classic Movie Are you terrified at the idea of public special presentations with the Winged of each month for a two-hour walk in Series featuring classic hit movies and speaking? We were. We got over it. Top Ambassadors, who will send free-flight, the Historic Fort Conde and Dauphin movie musicals the way movies were Cats Toastmasters invites you to join trained raptors soaring over the Great Street districts. We’ll talk about famous meant to be seen, on the big screen! us. We meet every Monday from noon Lawn. Budding marine biologists will meet Mobilians, serial killers, bigfoot and UFO Today’s film is “Easy Rider.” The series to 1 p.m. at the Red Lobster near the scientists from the Dauphin Island Sea sightings, Civil War ghosts and more! The will run Sundays through Aug. 16. Doors southeast corner of Airport Boulevard and Lab, who will introduce children to the tour meets and begins in the parking lot open at 2:30 p.m. with a classic film Azalea Road in Mobile. You can practice creatures of Mobile Bay. A wide variety across Royal Street from Fort Conde, 150 to begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are general your speaking and listening skills and of environmental organizations will be on S. Royal in Mobile. For more information, admission: $6 per adult and $3 per child learn to think on your feet in a relaxed, hand for activities and demonstrations. call 251-644-1664 or visit www.sjmtours. age 12 and under or 60+ senior. Tickets friendly atmosphere. Dues are $43 twice Kids Gulf Discovery Day hours are 9 a.m. com. can be purchased beforehand at either a year, and lunch must be purchased. to noon. Admission is $12.50 for adults, the Saenger Theatre Box Office, 6 South Toastmasters International is a worldwide $7 for children ages 5-12 and free to Fairhope historic bus tours Joachim St., or at the Mobile Civic Center organization. For further information, call Bellingrath members and children aged Donnie Barrett, director of the Fairhope Box Office, 401 Civic Center Drive. 251-344-2938. 4 and younger. Fees for the cruise with Museum of History, will lead a series Tickets can also be purchased on the day Delta Safaris are $8 for adults and $6 of historic-site bus tours that will focus of the showing at 12:30 p.m. from the July 21 for children ages 5-12. Registration is on the west side of Fairhope, covering Saenger Box Office. The main concession Addiction counseling encouraged for Kids Gulf Discovery Day. the town founders’ homes as well as downstairs will be open for snacks and Narconon would like to remind families To register, call 251-973-2217. For details, important sites from the early days of beverages such as popcorn, sodas, that the use of addicting drugs is on the visit www.bellingrath.org. the colony — and before. Tours are in a candy, beer, wine and mixed drinks. rise. Take steps to protect your family comfortable and cool motor coach and from drug use. If you know anyone Downtown Toastmasters are scheduled throughout the day, at 9 Mobile BayBears who is struggling with drug addiction, Are you interested in gaining more a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Each tour The Mobile BayBears versus the Jackson get them the help they need. Call for a confidence in your public speaking will last approximately one hour. Tickets Generals at Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 free brochure on the signs of addiction ability? The Downtown Mobile are $20 each with payment by cash or Bolling Brothers Blvd. Bark in the Park. for all drugs. Narconon also offers free Toastmasters Club 2815 invites you to check, and are on sale at the Museum Opening pitch at 5:05 p.m. Tickets screenings and referrals. Call 1-800-431- join us for our weekly educational lunch of History during regular business hours available online at www.milb.com/tickets. 1754 or visit DrugAbuseSolution.com. meeting at T.P. Crockmiers, 261 Dauphin (Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 St., from noon until 1 p.m. Practice your p.m.). No advance reservations will be Sunday matinee at 5 Rivers Teen Tech Tutor Program speaking, listening and leadership skills accepted. For more information, call Every Sunday throughout the day, take The Baldwin County Library Cooperative in a relaxed, friendly environment. Lunch 251-929-1471. The Fairhope Museum of a step inside 5 Rivers Tensaw Theater recently implemented a Teen Tech Tutor must be purchased. Our dues are $42 History is located downtown at 24 North and catch a free film. This week’s movie program at the Robertsdale Library. This twice yearly. Toastmasters International Section St. and is open Tuesday through is “Box Trolls.” For more information call program is designed to match high- is a worldwide organization. For more Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum 251-625-0814. school-age students who have strong information, call 251-404-3924.

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 39 MEDIAMEDIA FRENZY Hillyer named LifeZette political editor BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR | [email protected]

t seems some Mobile journalists are playing an even larger role wire copy. He added that it is well financed to make the run as a in a just-launched web publication headed by national conser- startup publication in a world that isn’t always so friendly to new vative commentator Laura Ingraham. endeavors. Though he did not know Ingraham, he said he was As we wrote two weeks ago, former Press-Register reporter recommended for the job by mutual friends. IBrendan Kirby has joined the publication, called LifeZette, as a Hillyer is quite familiar with the D.C. political and journalistic senior political reporter. Locally based political writer Quin Hillyer scene, having been an editorial writer and columnist for the Wash- has announced he will be serving as LifeZette’s political editor. ington Times and the Washington Examiner, and was executive “I am, at least for the time being, the political editor for Life- editor of the American Spectator. For five years he also served as Zette,” Hillyer said. press secretary for U.S. House Appropriations Committee Chair- Hillyer explained the publication — which went live Tuesday man Bob Livingston, a Republican from New Orleans. — was co-founded by Ingraham and her business partner, Peter Hillyer has worked as an editorial writer with the Press-Regis- Anthony, with the goal of providing a “full-spectrum” look at life, ter, was managing editor of Gambit Weekly in New Orleans and focusing on areas like health, pop culture, child rearing and faith also worked for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. His work has in addition to politics. He says that although Ingraham is known appeared in the Wall Street Journal, National Review and Weekly as a conservative commentator, the publication will handle news Standard, among others, and he’s also a regular contributor to in an unbiased fashion. local and national radio and TV shows. He has also made one “While Laura is conservative and we will have conservative unsuccessful bid for Congress. Photo/ quinhillyer.com columnists, most of the political section will be straight news. Attempting to wrangle his staff and cover national politics Quin Hillyer is LifeZette’s political editor That’s why we were looking for good, straight-news reporters like from the more leisurely environment of the Azalea City is one of Brendan [Kirby],” Hillyer explained. “I’m known as a conserva- the big hurdles Hillyer says he will have to overcome as Life- tive columnist, but I’m extremely devoted to the idea that what we Zette’s political editor. Hatch, a Mobile native who worked with the local NBC affili- call ‘straight news’ is played straight. It’s just journalistic ethics. “Obviously I’m in Mobile now. I’m still doing a test run to ate and followed that up with a stint in the city’s Office of Special If you call something news, it should be news.” see if the editing can be done from down here. Obviously I’m not Events, will be at the Mobile Museum of Art at 4850 Museum He said the effort is not to push an ideological bent and not to moving to D.C. A lot can be overcome with modern communica- Drive June 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. signing copies of his fiction get into the usual “inside the Beltway” politics that dominate most tions, but we’ll have to see,” he said. novel, “Hurricane Ron.” print and digital publications, but to serve a more explanatory Hillyer says he’s been a bit staggered by everything that goes The book is set in the fictional town of Pelican, Alabama, purpose. Thus LifeZette’s tagline, “Life. Explained.” into getting a new publication up and running, but is excited by the which Hatch says may bear characteristics familiar to local read- “We’re not approaching this with an ideological component. challenge. He was also happy to bring Kirby along for the ride. ers. It follows investigative reporter Ron McKee as he runs up The idea is to reach out beyond the patter-obsessed conservative “I was delighted to be able to get Brendan on board,” he said. against a crooked sheriff, a criminal biker gang and his wife’s base with news that is useful to them,” Hillyer said. lover. “We’re not going to be chasing down what bill passed commit- Hatch coming for book signing Hatch is a decorated military veteran and a graduate of the tee and who just went up in the polls,” he added. Former WPMI reporter Chris Hatch is returning to the Port University of South Alabama. He presently operates his own pub- Hillyer said the site will feature only content generated by staff City this weekend, but this time he’s not chasing stories, he’s lic relations business near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. members or writers contracted by LifeZette. In other words, no signing his newly published book. Admission to the signing is free.

40 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 THE LOADED QUESTION IF YOU HAD A YACHT WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT?

ASKED @ TP CROCKMIERS

“Allison”

-Ashton

“The Going Mary”

-Noelle

“ The LIOB (Love In Our Bond)”

-Hayden

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 41 SPORTSUPON FURTHER REVIEW 400-meter race added to Saturday’s Dauphin Street Vault BY J, MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER | [email protected] | Twitter @goulaguy

t first, the idea made no sense. Take a sport that is nor- mally held in a subdued environment, and move it into a wild party scene with rock music and screaming fans. Oh, yes, it would be in the middle of a city street. AAs crazy as it sounded, the Dauphin Street Vault (DSV) struck a chord that few anticipated. The competition is not only still around, but is expanding its itinerary to include a 400-meter race this Saturday, July 18. “Our motivation back in 2011 was for this to be cool,” Thomas Fowlkes, one of the founders, told Lagniappe. “Then it grew. It was an unintentional success.” A section of Dauphin Street just past Cathedral Square is blocked off, with two wooden runways built for continuous ac- tion. While the field events at a traditional track meet are usually restrained as athletes concentrate on each attempt, here the crowds cheer every move. “One of the main missions is to promote the sport,” Fowlkes said of starting the DSV. “Vaulting is an underappreciated sport in general. It actually is the sexiest event in all of track and field. So we put in right in the middle of the street; right in front of every- one’s eyes. It’s a great environment, especially when you throw in 1,000-plus spectators and some great competitors.” Summer is traditionally a slow time for many businesses in downtown Mobile. Fowlkes said some merchants have told him Photo/ Cindy Lawler/Facebook it is the second biggest day for them, trailing only Mardi Gras. A study commissioned by DSV officials said the event was re- Vaulters free fall in the third annual Dauphin Street Vault in downtown Mobile in 2013. sponsible for more than $250,000 of direct and indirect economic impact last year. ing body. “When the jumps get near 18 feet, they are over some be by age and gender.” “It’s one of the best single days of the year for some of the balconies and near the traffic lights.” A pre-party is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. at O’Daly’s, located businesses on that block,” according to Carol Hunter of the Last year’s male winner was Devin King, who set the DSV near Wintzell’s Oyster House. The races will then take place, Downtown Mobile Alliance, an organization that supports the record at 18 feet. He just completed his freshman year at South- ending at Cathedral Square. An awards ceremony will follow, redevelopment of the area. eastern Louisiana University. The week after the 2014 DSV, King just prior to the elite pole vault event. To learn more, visit www. “The Dauphin Street Vault is the kind of unexpected event that advanced to the junior world championships, where he finished in DauphinStreetVault.com. works so well downtown, because of the vibrant street scene and fourth place. A special guest star at the pre-party will be Birmingham na- the ease of walking to dining and shopping. Hundreds of vault- Sean Collins, a McGill-Toolen graduate heading to the tive and decathlon star Trey Hardee. A former NCAA champion, ers, their families and local spectators fill the street, restaurants University of South Alabama, finished third last year at the DSV. Hardee was a two-time world champion and twice a member of and hotel rooms at a time of year when business is less robust,” However, he just set a personal record at 17 feet, 10.5 inches in the U.S. Olympic team. He came home with a silver medal in Hunter said. Oregon last month. 2012. “The event seems to have grown every year,” observed David The female winner for the fourth straight year was Morgann “I grew up with Trey, so it will be great having him here,” Rasp, owner of Heroes Sports Bar and Grille, which is adjacent LeLeux, who cleared 13 feet, 8 inches in 2014. Fowlkes said. “He works with Nike, promoting how important it to the competition area. “We get lots of folks downtown; many of As the organizers got ready for their fifth year of competi- is to stay active.” them are families. The format seems to work well, with the more tion, they decided to spice things up. That is when the idea of a This all ties in to one of the original purposes of hosting the accomplished athletes performing later in the evening. Lower 400-meter run down Dauphin Street began. DSV five years ago. Dauphin is a great setting for such a unique event.” “We were just shooting from the hip,” Fowlkes said. “We came “We wanted to push health and wellness through athletics,” The first round of pole vaulting starts at 10 a.m. Drew Bentley, up with another idea, and said ‘let’s do it.’” Fowlkes said. “We want to convince kids to be more active, and the track coach at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School and one Red Bull energy drinks, which have been a sponsor since the to participate in track and field at their schools. of the DSV organizers, said more than 175 vaulters competed first year, stepped up to help with the infrastructure. The organiz- “Then we thought about adding a race, with the message being last year. The invitational elite division begins at 7 p.m., with the ers then approached O’Daly’s Irish Pub about being a partner. ‘let’s run, more fun.’ And it doesn’t hurt to have it start and end finals wrapping up around 10 p.m. Other long-time DSV sponsors have been the Mobile Sports with a block party.” “The vaulters love the novelty of jumping in the street, with Authority, Infirmary Health and Mobile Lumber and Millwork. And for most Mobilians, any reason to have another party is the skyscrapers and balconies,” Fowlkes said, adding that the “This year’s race is a pilot,” Fowlkes said. “The cost is $10 for a good reason. Even at a track and field meet in the middle of event is certified by USA Track and Field, the sport’s govern- those 18 and above, but free for 17 and younger. The flights will Dauphin Street.

42 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 SPORTSFEATURE Sucher looking to hit stride at PGA’s barbasol Championship BY TOMMY HICKS/ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

he PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship, being played The list also includes Mobile’s Glen Day, a long-time mem- this week at Grand National Golf Club in Opelika, one ber of the PGA Tour, who won the 1999 MCI Classic. He also of the courses on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, may has an international victory to his credit with the 1990 Benson be just the right tournament at just the right time for & Hedges Malaysian Open crown. He will be eligible to par- TMobile’s Zack Sucher. ticipate on the Champions Tour next season. The former UAB All-America player is looking to get his Former UMS-Wright and Alabama standout Bobby Wyatt pro career going stronger and the opportunity to play in his participated in Monday’s qualifying tournament but did not home state, not to mention on a course with which he is famil- earn a spot in the field. iar, assists his cause. Others with ties to the state who are set to play in the event, “It hasn’t been a great year for me so far, so it’s kind of which takes place opposite the British Open this week, include exciting to play a golf course you know,” he said prior to the Michael Thompson, Will Wilcox, Ben Schlottman, Josh Broad- tournament, which starts Thursday. “My golf game hasn’t been away, Patton Kizzire, Blayne Barber, Smylie Kaufman, Steve where I would like it to be, but it’s close. The last two months Lowery, Brett Wetterich and Tomasz Anderson. my game has been pretty good but my scores aren’t showing Gates open at Grand National at 6:30 a.m. Thurs- it. I feel like I’m close … I feel like I’m about to start playing day through Sunday. The Golf Channel will broadcast live from really good golf. the Opelika tournament site each day from 3-6 p.m. “My confidence is back up and I’m hoping it shows pretty “I don’t think it makes it too much of a different field than soon … Other than this tournament, every course (on the PGA other tournaments, but for us (those with Alabama ties), it’s the Tour) has been a first for me. Having played this course before, kind of grass you grew up playing on and there’s just a comfort and having family and friends out to watch, that’s going to be a zone because of that,’’ Sucher said. “Plus, having friends big help.’’ around is always nice. The Barbasol Championship field will feature several golfers “It will be interesting to see how the people in the state with ties to the state of Alabama, and a good number with ties respond. I don’t know what it will be like. Every event I have to the Mobile area. Alabama’s Robby Shelton received a spon- played this year has been a repeat event (site that has had a sor’s exemption and will be in the field. Former South Alabama tournament for a few years). It will be exciting to see how it Photo/ Courtesy UAB Athletics standout Heath Slocum is also in the field, along with Milton’s does as a first-year event. It should be a lot of fun. I’ll have a lot Joe Durant, who played his college golf at Huntingdon College of friends coming in from Birmingham and Mobile, so it should Mobile golfer Zack Sucher is playing in the PGA Tour’s in Montgomery, and Milton’s Boo Weekley, a fan favorite. be a fun week.’’ barbasol Championship this week. Anglers schooling to Dauphin Island for fishing rodeo BY TOMMY HICKS/ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

evin Maurin was just going to help out. He thought it More than 75,000 spectators are expected to attend this ments I’ve ever been a part of — the Roy Martin, every year,” would be interesting to assist with the Alabama Deep Sea year’s tournament, watching the weigh-ins and taking part in the Maurin said. “The kids having fun — I don’t have kids myself, Fishing Rodeo (ADSFR), so when a good friend asked many other activities surrounding the tournament. A variety of but hopefully one day I will — and I see all the parents taking him to be part of the annual event, he agreed. vendors will have booths set up at the tournament’s main area. their kids out. It’s enjoyable to see them do the same thing that K“I joined a couple of days after I turned 21,” Maurin, president Maurin said fans enjoy spending all day at the event, cooking my father did with me, taking me fishing, and hopefully I’ll be of this year’s ADSFR, said. “I thought it would be fun just to out and taking part in the other activities, many of which are able to do that with my kids in the future.” volunteer and help out and when I got here there were a bunch of geared to kids. The “big tournament” begins Thursday, July 16, with a cap- people I knew who were already in it and I’ve just never left.” The University of South Alabama will also offer an educa- tain’s meeting at both the ADSFR site on Dauphin Island and at The 82nd annual ADSFR, sponsored by the Mobile Jaycees, tional program for children during the rodeo that will include a J&M Tackle in Orange Beach, both at 5 p.m. The annual Liar’s gets underway Friday, July 17, with the official cannon blast at 5 display of various varieties of fish. Contest begins at 6:30 p.m., and Friday at 5 a.m. the cannon blast a.m. signaling the start of the three-day event. It was designated “There’s a real carnival atmosphere at the rodeo site,” Maurin officially gets things started. in 2011 as the world’s largest fishing tournament. said. “There’s plenty to do and it’s an all-day event. People start “This is what we work for all year long,’’ Maurin said of More than 3,000 anglers will compete in 30 categories, with filing in at around 7 or 8 in the morning and don’t leave until 8 or preparation for the ADSFR. “We have been working 20-hour prizes awarded for first, second and third place in each category. 9 at night.” days and now that it’s here, we’ll work 24-hour days, but it’s The competition will include the top catches for barracuda, tuna, The rodeo started last weekend with the Roy Martin tourna- what we love doing.” For further information visit the ADSFR cobia, swordfish, king mackerel, wahoo, tarpon, speckled trout ment, exclusively for the kids. web site at www.adsfr.com. and shark. “That’s my favorite memory of any of the [ADSFR] tourna-

July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 43 STYLEPORT CITY PREMONITIONS Libra frazzled by the awakening Force BY DR. ZODIAC/ASTROLOGY GUY

Cancer (6/22-7/22) — The cockroach problem at your short- Scorpio (10/23-11/21) — When a judge retires in Baldwin ies you catch will be seen from the couch you’re sleeping on. term rental has gotten out of control. Confused by their prolifera- County, you’ll throw your name in the hat to fill the vacancy. You Pisces (2/19-3/20) — You’ll soon make the wise decision to tion in the absence of an accessible food supply and in the wake don’t have a law degree, but your two years of interdisciplinary attend a Mobile County garage sale. While you’ll find plenty of of heavy chemical combat, you surmise they’re simply attracted studies at Alabama should be enough to get you in the top three, bargains, you’ll also find a few ripoffs. For one, the governing by the comfort of the air-conditioned environment. You’ll find a you think. You’ve never been in a courtroom, aside from that time body is selling a replica Confederate battle flag for about $20 can of RAID to be much more effective combined with the flame you got busted for shooting water balloons at teenagers on the million. You’ll think that’s high, but with Obama focusing on flags from a cigarette lighter. Your resulting roofless and charred abode beach that one summer. But you judge people all the time, so why before taking your guns, you’ll pull the trigger on the purchase. will be the opposite of energy efficient, but you enjoy the brief not get paid for it? To sweeten the deal, commissioners will throw in a free copy of sanctity of a habitat devoid of all life. Sagittarius (11/22-12/22) — Your boy Barack Obama is go- “Robert’s Rules of Order.” Leo (7/23-8/23) — Your patience is stretched thin after being ing to come through this week and commute the long-standing Aries (3/21-4/19) — In a shocking turn of events, future Presi- subjected to endless cell phone videos of wanna-be dancers urging drug sentence you’ve been serving over the past 20 years. After dent Donald Trump will declare the moon the 51st state because you to watch them as they “whip” and “nae-nae.” About the same nearly two decades in prison for holding a moderate amount of he’s “big on cheese.” Upon discovering that there is no cheese on time you view your 6,000th “stanky leg” this week, you go Tonya marijuana, you’ll use your newfound freedom to take in all the the moon, Trump will turn the new lunar acquisition into a penal Harding on the world and start assaulting every kneecap you en- ways Mobile has changed. At first, you’ll be pleased by some of colony. Many years will pass before the colony sparks a war for counter. You’ll be stripped of your competitive athletic titles but a the new developments in West Mobile, but after a few minutes independence. The conflict ends in a ceasefire, which results in the sympathetic jury will spare you a prison sentence. There’s a future of pulling your hair out on Airport Boulevard, you’ll realize that colony receiving congressional representation. Meanwhile, Puerto for you in repulsive pornography. sometimes progress isn’t good. Rico is still in a severe drought. Poor Puerto Rico. Virgo (8/24-9/22) — After watching a trailer for the new Mar- Capricorn (12/23-1/19) — After hearing about the new Taurus (4/20-5/20) — You’ll be forced to resign from your vel film “Ant-Man,” you become convinced there is a miniature regulations being placed on the ride-booking service Uber, you’ll job at a fast-growing social media site when you mix up char- supervillain in your dryer. In an effort to get off the hook for applaud the Mobile City Council for dedication to protecting its acters from Star Wars and that other, crappier, TV-based science doing laundry, you’ll tell your wife “Mini-Man” shoots you with citizens from callous corporations. You’ll feel relieved knowing fiction franchise. You’ll try to apologize to the country’s nerds, but his tiny laser blaster when you open the laundry room door. Your that a driver won’t be able to transverse the numerous acid tanks, the damage will have already been done. Ironically, the only job wife will laugh if off at first, but she will send you to the loony bin coal piles and oil pipelines that surround the Mobile’s unique you’ll be offered after your resignation is one where you’re forced when you dress up in a cardboard cosplay get-up and call yourself natural resources without proper insurance. At the end of the day, to dress like a Wookie and stand on the curb to draw customers “Mighty-Man: The Laundry Defender.” you’ll be thankful for a governing body that prioritizes the pub- into a local carpet-cleaning service. Libra (9/23-10/22) — The Comic-Con footage from “Star lic’s needs over the wants of big business. Gemini (5/21-6/21) — A psychiatrist enlisted as an expert Wars: The Force Awakens” gets you so excited you’ll spend your Aquarius (1/20-2/18) — With the best of intentions, you’ll witness at your attempted murder trial testifies that your act of cal- weekend watching the previous six Star Wars films. The poor craft a meticulous text message letting your spouse know that culated violence can be attributed to a rare case of “reverse going quality of Episodes I through III causes you to become violently the movie you invited them to without thinking is actually “more postal.” The employee of the U.S. Postal Service you victimized ill. You’ll barely survive “The Phantom Menace,” and by the end a friends kinda thing.” You’ll spend around an hour typing and actually brought it upon himself, the testimony suggested, by of “Attack of the Clones,” you are a violent, angry man covered in retyping the words but they’ll pretty much always a bit rude. making a habit of delivering small, personal packages daily to the Cheeto dust and sweat. Halfway through “Revenge of the Sith,” Eventually, you’ll send a text that reads, “there’s been a fire, will same single bathroom stall reserved for you and the office men. you’ll attempt ritual suicide with your son’s plastic Qui-Gon Jinn call you later,” which you’ll swear afterwards seemed like a good Your supporters in the courtroom engage in a silent social media lightsaber. plan at the time. As a result of that selfishness, the next few mov- protest anchored by the hashtag #occupystallstreet.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

FROM PAGE 37

F u t u r e s h o C k

44 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 45 STYLEMOBILE MAGNIFIED Peavy takes the mound for Uber BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

he Nappie voting craziness is finally over. I swear, we have that craziness, we never seen it like it was this year. Almost ONE MIL- have to take care Uber kerfuffle brings out the big hitters Well, sure, we knew the Downtown Mobile Alliance, Mobile LION votes! And so, now that our poor team of exhausted of last week’s biz- Chamber and Mobile Convention and Business Bureau would counters have retired back to the Isle of Calculation for nass! So grab your voice their support for Uber as the Mobile City Council consid- Tanother year, that can only mean one thing: It’s almost time for briefcase and get ered whether or not to let the ride-hailing service continue in the the 2015 Nappie Awards. Woot! Woot! But before we can get to to work! Azalea City, but who knew former Mobilian Jake Peavy, pitcher for the San Francisco Giants and Cy Young Award Winner, would Nic Cage be so uber-concerned about the issue? spotting Apparently he was (or maybe someone asked him to be), as We LOVE a he put on Facebook, “I’m a huge fan of Uber and use it when I good Nic Cage travel, so I was very happy to hear the direction my hometown is spotting. When headed! #uber#mobile.” not fighting off We hope his message is a home run with the council, or wait, sharks in the I guess I need a pitching reference — we hope he doesn’t strike waters off Orange out with them. OK, I know that was corny but sometimes you just Beach (for the have to swing for the fences. OK, OK, I’m done. movie, guys … we hope), he ap- Downtown loses another parently has had a Last week we reported the loss of downtown regular Kevin craving for some Painter and now we sadly have to report the loss of yet another good ol’ South- familiar face and kind soul. Chuck McNeil, who was seen around ern barbecue, as LoDa quite often, passed away last week. Close friends shared he was recently memories of his many colorful sayings and sweet gestures all seen at The Brick over Facebook. Pit. No word on A memorial get-together was held July 15 by his closest whether he’s a friends at one of his favorite spots, Café 615. I’m sure many good rib man or more stories were shared. Our condolences to all of his family and Photo/thenavytimes.com of a pulled-pork friends. Photo/Facebook Nic Cage, filming a movie in town, kind of fella. But Turns out ace pitcher Jake Peavy is a big Uber fan and my spies said he Well, my dear souls, that’s all I have this week. Just remember, has found some bbQ love in the 08. looked “crazy” for took to the web to support the service coming here. whether rain or shine, dramatic or scandalous, or some plain ol’ the ‘cue. Uber lovin’, I will be there. Ciao!

46 | LAGNIAPPE | July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 July 16, 2015 - July 22, 2015 | LAGNIAPPE | 47